Federal lawmakers: Oregon team of nearly 100 partners awarded NSF Regional Innovation Engine Award that sets up receiving up to $160 million to grow Oregon semiconductor industry
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senate and House members welcomed today’s announcement that Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an Oregon consortium including nearly 100 partners from across the state, will receive up to $160 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next decade to grow the state’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Oregon State University is the administrative home for FAST.
“It’s always a good day when Oregon takes our deserved spot in the “FAST lane” for national leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who helped to lead the effort under the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS Act that aimed for federal investments just like this one in Oregon’s semiconductor industry. “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines. This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state.”
“This investment in Oregon State University’s NSF FAST Engine will further supercharge Oregon’s innovative semiconductor industry,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley. “By bringing together researchers, businesses, and local partners, it will help turn new ideas into good-paying jobs and strengthen our state’s leadership in emerging semiconductor technologies. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Oregon has the federal support it needs to compete and grow.”
“The NSF FAST Engine based at Oregon State University shows how government can successfully work with higher education institutions to spur regional innovation and career readiness in advanced fields,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. “This significant investment in the semiconductor industry will strengthen our state’s continued leadership in research, development, and a future-ready workforce.”
“I am proud that Oregon State University was selected to receive this well-deserved grant. Demand for semiconductors is rising, and the NSF FAST Engine will help OSU design the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “This grant will bring industries in Oregon closer together across the state and foster innovation. It will also strengthen statewide educational partnerships, support Oregon’s semiconductor industry and improve pathways to semiconductor careers for students.”
“Oregon is called the Silicon Forest for a reason. If we want to maintain our position as a leader in semiconductor research and technology, then we need to keep innovating,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas. “This grant from the National Science Foundation will help ensure we remain on the cutting edge of the technology revolution while utilizing the talents of the Oregon workforce by providing training and jobs throughout the high tech innovation economy.”
“Proof that Oregon is THE place to invest in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Another great bet on some of our country’s best technology and brightest students,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding makes sure that Oregon’s next generation of innovators, leaders, and experts have the resources they need to secure good paying jobs and continue to build a strong economy”.
More information about the project is here.
A web version of this release is here.