Arizona State University’s Ambitious Semiconductor Expansion Gets a $17.5 Million Boost
TEMPE, AZ (December 21, 2023) – Arizona’s semiconductor landscape is set for a significant upgrade, thanks to a $17.5 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). This substantial funding aims to bolster Arizona State University’s (ASU) capabilities in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on a new GaN (gallium nitride) manufacturing and research ecosystem.
The investment will be used by ASU to enhance its MacroTechnology Works (MTW) facility in Tempe. The university intends to expand its research and training in cutting-edge fields such as 6G, IoT, and machine learning. This expansion will also feature a collaborative effort with NXP Semiconductors to develop the next generation of GaN research for 6G technology.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the strategic importance of this development, stating, The expansion of ASU’s MacroTechnology Works is another important step in enhancing Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem.
She highlighted the opportunity for first-of-its-kind training and R&D that will strengthen the workforce and support industry growth.
ASU President Michael Crow reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing domestic semiconductor manufacturing, noting, Today’s announcement represents another important step in ASU’s commitment as a university to contribute to advancing America’s domestic semiconductor manufacturing, research and development capabilities.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the ACA, added, This new investment showcases Arizona’s continued commitment to advancing our semiconductor industry.
She acknowledged the role of the investment in expanding the state’s semiconductor supply chain and workforce development.
Jim Norling from NXP Semiconductors expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with ASU, helping train and develop the engineers of the future.
This collaboration is expected to drive innovation from research to full-scale manufacturing.
The expansion aligns with broader state and federal initiatives. The ACA’s investment is part of a larger $100 million commitment to bolster semiconductor and microelectronics development in Arizona. Upcoming projects include the Materials-to-Fab (MTF) Center at ASU Research Park, supported by a $30 million ACA investment, and the expansion of the University of Arizona’s Micro/Nano Fabrication Center in Tucson with a $35.5 million investment.
Additionally, Arizona was selected as one of eight regional hubs under the Department of Defense Microelectronics Comms program. The Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, led by ASU, received $39.8 million to advance research in AI hardware, 5G/6G, and other technologies, further cementing Arizona’s role in the national semiconductor ecosystem.
For media inquiries, contact Jay Thorne at Arizona State University via [email protected] or Paige Iven at NXP Semiconductors via [email protected].
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority is the state’s premier economic development organization, focusing on attracting, expanding, and creating businesses to enhance Arizona’s economy. More information can be found at azcommerce.com.
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, with operations in over 30 countries. The company is committed to sustainable innovation across various markets. Learn more at nxp.com.
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