CHIPS for America Week in Review

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Sunnyvale, CA as Expected Location for Second CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility 

On November 1, 2024, the Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), announced Sunnyvale, California as the expected location for the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF), an NSTC Facility. The DCF will play an important role in advancing semiconductor design research, workforce development, investment, and collaboration across the entire semiconductor value chain.   

The expected facility will bring together NSTC members from across the ecosystem to address some of the most demanding challenges facing the microelectronics industry and the world today, including the need for a skilled workforce and access to secure, cloud-based services for NSTC members.   

“The research and development component of the CHIPS and Science Act is fundamental to our long-term national security and ensuring the U.S. remains the most technologically competitive place on earth,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “With this proposed facility, CHIPS for America is providing access to cutting-edge research, tools, and workforce opportunities to communities across the country. Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, these new facilities will help secure America’s leadership in global semiconductor technology and manufacturing for decades to come.” 

Biden-Harris Administration Opens $100 million Competition to Accelerate R&D and AI Technologies for Sustainable Semiconductor Materials 

On October 30, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for activities that will use cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies to support the long-term viability of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes (CARISSMA) funding opportunity will be critical in meeting the industry’s technology, economic, and sustainability goals. 

The semiconductor industry is deeply committed to advancing and deploying environmentally sustainable solutions across the full lifecycle of microelectronic components and systems. Through industry-informed, university-based collaborations, this investment will seek to demonstrate that new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes that meet industry needs, can be designed and adopted for industry testing within five years. The investment will also expand the number of universities, researchers, and graduates participating in the U.S. semiconductor R&D ecosystem while helping increase the sustainability of semiconductor manufacturing. 

On November 8, 2024, CHIPS for America will host a webinar to provide general information regarding this NOFO, offer general guidance on preparing applications, and answer questions. You can register here.  

On November 15, 2024, the CHIPS Research and Development Office will host a one-day hybrid meeting for potential applicants to this funding opportunity. Registration is now open. Visit the event page to register. Registration to attend in-person closes at 5:00 pm ET on November 11, 2024. 

NSTC Membership Opened 

Last month, Natcast announced the official launch of the NSTC Membership Program. A historic and long-lasting investment, the NSTC will bolster the U.S. semiconductor industry with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and education. This announcement marks a significant milestone in U.S. efforts to advance its competitive edge in semiconductor leadership. 

“CHIPS for America is closing the gap between invention and commercialization, ushering in a new technological revolution for the semiconductor ecosystem. The NSTC represents the foundation for the next wave of technological breakthroughs, serving as the anchor institution where we shape the future of semiconductor innovation. With unprecedented collaboration between industry, academia, labor organizations, and government, members of the NSTC will help to secure America’s leadership in global semiconductor technology.” - Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo  

DEADLINE EXTENDED: NSTC Workforce Advisory Board Nominations  

The NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence's (WCoE) programs are guided by real-time insights from stakeholders across the semiconductor ecosystem. This includes input from both NSTC members and the NSTC Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB). Comprised of key stakeholders from the private sector, government, non-profits, training providers, academia, and labor organizations, the WFAB will offer critical input on national and regional workforce strategies, ensuring the WCoE’s initiatives are employer-driven, worker-centered, and responsive to real-time industry challenges. 

The deadline for WFAB members nominations has been extended and can be submitted online through November 8, 2024.  

CHIPS National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Funding Opportunity  

On October 18th, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) funded by the CHIPS and Science Act to enable the United States semiconductor industry to adopt innovative new advanced packaging flows for semiconductor technologies.  

CHIPS for America anticipates making available up to approximately $1.6 billion for funding multiple awards across five research and development (R&D) areas, with the potential for follow-on funding for prototyping activities.  

The five R&D areas are: 

1. Equipment, Tools, Processes, and Process Integration
2. Power Delivery and Thermal Management
3. Connector Technology, Including Photonics and Radio Frequency (RF)
4. Chiplets Ecosystem
5. Co-design/Electronic Design Automation (EDA) 

Mandatory concept papers are due December 20, 2024. 

Reuters: US plans $825 mln investment for New York semiconductor R&D facility 

[Reuters, 10/31/24] 

Oct 31 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Thursday announced an $825 million investment in a new semiconductor research and development facility in Albany, New York, aiming to boost high-tech manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign technology. 

The New York facility will be expected to drive innovation in EUV technology, a complex process necessary to make semiconductors, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast, operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NTSC) said. 

The launch of the facility "represents a key milestone in ensuring the United States remains a global leader in innovation and semiconductor research and development," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said. 

Last year, Raimondo had said she would make multiple funding awards, which could drastically reshape U.S. chip production. 

The announcement comes days after the Biden administration said it is finalizing rules that will limit U.S. investments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China that could threaten U.S. national security. 

The new rules are due to come into effect on Jan. 2 and are part of a broader push to prevent U.S. know-how from helping the Chinese to develop sophisticated technology. 

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Sunnyvale chosen as CHIPS for America R&D site 

[Anthony Duignan-Cabrera, 11/1/24] 

Sunnyvale is to be the site of the new CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF), the Department of Commerce and Natcast, the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) announced Friday.  

According to a press statement, "the proposed DCF will be one of the flagship R&D facilities for CHIPS for America, which are designed to benefit the NSTC community and provide critical technologies for researchers nationwide."  

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:  

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Sunnyvale, CA as Expected Location for Second CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility 

Today, the Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) announced Sunnyvale, California as the expected location for the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF), an NSTC Facility. The DCF will play an important role in advancing semiconductor design research, workforce development, investment, and collaboration across the entire semiconductor value chain.  

Here’s what they are saying about this historic announcement:  

Biden-Harris Administration Leaders 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo: “The research and development component of the CHIPS and Science Act is fundamental to our long-term national security and ensuring the U.S. remains the most technologically competitive place on earth. With this proposed facility, CHIPS for America is providing access to cutting-edge research, tools, and workforce opportunities to communities across the country. Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, these new facilities will help secure America’s leadership in global semiconductor technology and manufacturing for decades to come.” [Statement] 

Lael Brainard, National Economic Advisor: “This designation from the Biden-Harris Administration will secure Sunnyvale as a premier location for semiconductor R&D and workforce development.” [Statement] 

Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio: “Through physical and digital assets, this proposed facility will help researchers, educators, and companies from across the country solve the most pressing challenges facing the semiconductor industry. When we bring diverse perspectives together, we’re able to unlock new opportunities for innovation.” [Statement] 

Members of Congress 

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-: “With the enactment of our CHIPS and Science Law, America declared our economic independence: powering a manufacturing boom, driving decades of scientific discovery and creating good-paying jobs across the country. With California designated for the next CHIPS for America research and development flagship facility, the Golden State will lead the way with innovative technologies that will lower costs for America’s working families.  The research and development section of the CHIPS and Science Law came from the Science, Space and Technology Committee, on which Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is now the top Democrat.  Under the visionary leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, America’s beacon of excellence in science, innovation and inclusivity will glow for generations to come.” [Statement]  

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA): ““California is the clear choice to lead NSTC’s semiconductor innovation and R&D. Our state has built a world-class innovation economy and has been at the forefront of the semiconductor industry for decades. We are uniquely positioned to leverage our R&D, manufacturing capacity, and end-users to drive this industry forward. Establishing the NSTC headquarters in California will capitalize on our state’s unparalleled assets to grow a highly skilled workforce and develop next-generation advancements. I am confident that this CHIPS Act funding will propel emerging technologies and protect America’s global semiconductor leadership, all while bringing good-paying jobs to our state.” [Statement] [Statement] 

House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). “Silicon Valley was the clear choice for the Design Facility,” said “Our area’s collaborative innovation ecosystem, existing semiconductor infrastructure, and diverse talent pool will enable the Facility to hit the ground running. Silicon Valley has been the birthplace of countless cutting-edge technologies that have made a major impact across the globe. It’s fitting that we now will play a leading role in ushering in the next generation of advanced semiconductor technologies. As Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation and Ranking Member of the House Science Committee, I am delighted that the Department of Commerce chose to capitalize on what Silicon Valley does best. We are well equipped to take on this effort and I look forward to working with the Administration as we move forward.” [Statement]  

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17): “As a coauthor of the CHIPS and Science Act, I’m proud to see my district and communities across the country benefit from our legislation’s historic investments in innovation and creating good-paying jobs. The CHIPS for America Collaboration and Design Facility will not only support the thriving semiconductor ecosystem in Silicon Valley, but it will also help our country lead in technology and innovation in the 21st century. I thank Secretary Raimondo for her leadership.” [Statement] 

U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-16): “Silicon Valley is the innovation capital of the world and building the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) America Design and Collaboration Facility in the heart of it will leverage the resources of the world’s top technology companies and leading academic institutions. Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act to bring chips manufacturing back to the U.S., ensure chip manufacturing tools and materials can be made domestically, create good-paying jobs and improve resiliency of our semiconductor industry. The NSTC represents the foundation for the next wave of technological breakthroughs, serving as the anchor institution where the U.S. shape’s the future of semiconductor innovation. The Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership and the collaboration between industry, academia, labor organizations, and government through the NSTC will help to secure America’s place as the global leader in semiconductor technology.” 

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-30): “California is the innovation capital of the world, which makes it the ideal place for the Natcast Design and Collaboration Facility. With our unparalleled talent pool, leading research institutions, and thriving technology sector and companies, California is uniquely positioned to lead on the future of semiconductors. This decision will also reduce our reliance on foreign semiconductor supply, bring good paying jobs to California, and strengthen our supply chains. No state is better equipped for world class innovation. I look forward to working with Natcast, Governor Newsom, and research institutions across the state to ensure the DCF’s success in California,” [Statement] 

State and Local Officials 

California Governor Gavin Newsom: “The @CommerceGov just selected California as the future home of the new National Semiconductor Technology Center HQ! Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s support, the Golden State will continue shaping our economy & national security.” [Tweet] 

Dee Dee Myers, Senior Economic Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: “We are thrilled that the Department of Commerce and Natcast chose to locate this critically important facility in Sunnyvale, the heart of the Silicon Valley, alongside the world’s largest concentration of semiconductor businesses, talent, intellectual property, and investment activity. The Newsom Administration and our partners across the industry know how important it is to shorten the timeframe from R&D to commercialization. We are looking forward to a productive partnership with the Department of Commerce and Natcast to ensure that CHIPS for America will be an enduring success not only for our state but for the entire country.” [Statement] 

Organizations 

Deirdre Hanford, Natcast CEO. “Silicon Valley is a broad, vibrant, and dynamic semiconductor ecosystem,” said  “Surrounded by established companies and innovative startups, leading research and academic institutions, investors, and stakeholders from across the semiconductor value chain, the CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility in Sunnyvale, Calif., will encourage and enable NSTC members to work together to address some of the most complex challenges we face as a nation and a world today.” [Statement] 

Education 

Theresa Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of California Office of the President: “California continues to be a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, translating fundamental research discoveries into foundational technologies. The University of California is committed to working hand-in-hand with Natcast and the DCF on next generation semiconductor research and workforce development to ensure the U.S. remains a world leader in this field.” [Statement]