Oregon Remains in Contention for the Only Remaining Semiconductor Research Center
Oregon may have lost out to New York and California in its bid for a semiconductor technology center funded by the CHIPS Act of 2022 but remains in contention for the prototype and packaging hub.
Over the last two days, the Biden administration has revealed that the lithography center has been awarded to Albany, NY, and Sunnyvale in California is now the expected location of the America Design and Collaboration Facility.
Governor’s Office Confirms that Oregon Remains in the Hunt
But all along Oregon has pinned its hopes on its selection to house the prototype and packaging center.
The governor’s press secretary, Anca Matica, confirmed in an email yesterday that Oregon is ‘under consideration for the prototyping and packaging facility.’
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden yesterday confirmed that he is seeking the support of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to bolster Oregon’s bid. Wyden says he firmly believes that Oregon’s credentials to house a semiconductor research center are ‘rock solid.’
The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Prototyping Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility that Oregon is focused on attracting is expected to be operational by 2028, according to an announcement by the Department of Commerce and Natcast (National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology).
Now, all eyes are on the 373 acres of Hillsboro farmland that Governor Tina Kotek wants to incorporate into the Portland Urban Growth boundary. The additional land is needed if a research center is to be established.
But the problem facing Kotek and semiconductor research center protagonists is the hardline adopted by conservationists and farmers hotly opposed to the incorporation of the Hillsboro land.
Natcast says ecosystems must be supercharged if America is to reclaim leadership of the semiconductor industry, and state protagonists believe that Oregon can provide an ideal ecosystem.
Oregon is Positioned to Contribute to the Success of the NSTC Program
Intel, the largest corporate employer in the state, has confirmed that it will continue working with the governor and state officials in a bid to secure the prototyping and packaging center, adding that Oregon has the strongest ecosystem for the facility.
Oregon is positioned to contribute to the success of the NSTC program and to contribute to technological advancements in the country’s semiconductor industry, says Intel Spokesperson Elly Akopyan.
Building vibrant semiconductor ecosystems in the country to bolster research and development and create quality jobs forms part of Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda. Natcast’s goal is to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry through innovation, collaboration, and education.