According to a news release on February 25, industry leader Emerson has launched a partnership with UT through a three-year, $8.5 million investment aimed at supporting advanced artificial intelligence and semiconductor research.
Nathan Pettus, president of Emerson’s Process Systems and Solutions, said the investment is built on a long-standing relationship with the university. He said the investment will fund upgrades to major labs and work with the Texas Electronics Institute to help launch a new Masters of Semiconductor Science and Engineering program, helping to develop next-generation automation experts.
Emerson’s total contribution to UT is over $20 million, according to a news release. The St. Louis-based manufacturer, which recently acquired Austin-based National Instruments, is now called the Emerson Test and Measurement Business, and is investing in the development of cutting-edge technology solutions.
“[UT]has been the custodian of new technology for a long time,” Petus said. “Emerson similarly focuses on future trends and (and) manages the industries we are contributing to the world to new technologies and innovation.”
Petus said the broadest portion of the investment will be directed to donating technology and equipment to modernize the Montpolis Research Center in South Austin, as part of a $840 million partnership with the Bureau of Defense Advanced Research Projects.
“Most of our funds will be a gift of domain expertise and service features for other companies such as 3M, Motorola, Samsung and (Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers) to automate (research) facilities.
According to a news release, the company will also provide funding to support the first three cohorts of students enrolled in the new Masters of Semiconductors course, starting 18 months from fall 2025.
Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering School, said the investment will support the construction of the on-campus Engineering Discovery Building, which is scheduled to open in 2026, house learning facilities and research facilities for chemistry and petroleum engineering students. He said the investment will also strengthen the Process Science and Technology Centre at JJ Pickles Research Campus.
“(Emerson) is interested in collecting data in instrumentation and control systems and actually providing ideas on how to collect data, how to extract and improve the value of the system.
According to Pettus, Emerson is also investing in a new center for customer insights and marketing solutions at the McCombs School of Business, providing advanced marketing techniques to marketing students.
“Texas is a huge feeder school for us, and I think we have a great curriculum and great students,” Petus said. “Most of the past (partnerships) have focused on the Cockrell School of Engineering. Now we’re expanding the electrical engineering semiconductor space and potentially part of McComb to support students.”
