The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $269 million investment to advance microelectronics manufacturing and workforce development. The funding is part of the Microelectronics Commons (ME Commons) initiative, which aims to enhance U.S. semiconductor capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign microelectronics. The ME Commons consists of eight regional hubs that focus on advancing microelectronics technology and equipping American workers with advanced skills.
The initiative is supported by the CHIPS and Science Act, with a total of $2 billion allocated from FY23 to FY27. Dr. Devanand Shenoy, Executive Director of the Microelectronics Commons and Principal Director for Microelectronics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, said, “Microelectronics are critical to our goals of having a more reliable microelectronics supply and to deliver next-generation capabilities for our troops.
These awards will also upskill America’s workforce, thus helping keep America both secure and prosperous.
The $269 million investment is distributed across six technical areas, including quantum computing, secure edge computing, and artificial intelligence.
Microelectronics investment for U.S. advancement
The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to visit three hubs to discuss progress and highlight award recipients.
The initiative also aims to foster partnerships, modernize research facilities, and enhance workforce development tailored to regional needs. A significant focus is on education in microelectronics, particularly at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and community colleges. The project funding will benefit 28 states and Washington, D.C., promoting a robust microelectronics workforce.
Last year, the Department of Defense announced and awarded just under $240 million to launch the eight hubs, underscoring a strong commitment to bolstering the U.S. microelectronics sector. Director Arati Prabhakar of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy stated, “We’re creating a new chapter in semiconductor research and development here in America. These CHIPS and Science Act investments through the Microelectronics Commons will advance innovation for components that enable the most sophisticated defense systems, strengthening our national security.
Today’s awards are the next step forward in making sure that we win the future.
For Secretary Austin and other Defense Department officials, supporting these technological advancements and manufacturing developments will be a priority in the coming years.
