The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an investment exceeding $5 billion in semiconductor-related research, development, and workforce initiatives, including the establishment of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), Whitehouse said in a news statement.
This initiative, part of President Joe Biden’s drive to boost research and development (R&D) within the United States, aims to bolster the nation’s leadership in semiconductor technology, enhance national security, and create opportunities for workers in the semiconductor industry.
Today’s announcement, aligned with the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, marks a pivotal moment in U.S. semiconductor policy. With semiconductors serving as the backbone of the modern economy, this investment seeks to address the current gap where the United States produces less than 10 percent of the global supply and none of the most advanced chips.
Under the CHIPS R&D program, which encompasses a total funding of $11 billion, several key initiatives are set to advance semiconductor research and development. These include the establishment of the NSTC, the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP), the CHIPS Metrology Program, and the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute.
The NSTC, in particular, will serve as a collaborative hub for government, industry, academia, and other stakeholders to accelerate innovation, lower barriers to participation in semiconductor R&D, and foster a skilled and diverse semiconductor workforce.
Key milestones announced by the White House today include:
Establishment of the National Semiconductor Technology Center: Planning to invest a minimum of $5 billion in the NSTC, formally established as a Public-Private Consortium, to drive research priorities for 2024 and launch the NSTC Community of Interest.
Investment in the Semiconductor Workforce: Allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars towards workforce efforts, including the creation of a Workforce Center of Excellence, aimed at connecting Americans to high-quality semiconductor jobs and creating equitable training pathways.
Investment in Other Key R&D Needs: Intent to invest in initiatives such as the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute and advanced packaging of substrates and substrate materials to support semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
These efforts build upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, development, and innovation in the United States, as demonstrated by recent investments in regional innovation ecosystems and the designation of Regional Tech Hubs focused on semiconductor manufacturing.
