Today, at an event celebrating Intel’s plans to invest more than $36 billion to expand and modernize its global research and development center operations, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Oregon will partner with industry, higher education, and federal and local governments to establish a technology center under the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) to compete for federal semiconductor research and development funding.
“Washington County’s existing workforce base and robust semiconductor manufacturing and export industry have placed Oregon on a strong foundation as a national research and development center for decades,” said Governor Kotek. “With the support of industry leaders, our federal delegation, universities and local leaders, Oregon is excited about the potential to host an NSTC-affiliated technology center and further advance our strong track record as a leader in the semiconductor supply chain.”
“Given Silicon Forest and Oregon’s long track record of semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, Oregon is the natural choice to site this center,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I was instrumental in passing the federal CHIPS Act due in no small part to the outstanding job-creation opportunities that this National Semiconductor Technology Center offers in Oregon, which unites Oregon and takes full advantage of our cutting-edge position in the global semiconductor industry.”
“Oregon’s rich history in semiconductor manufacturing and commitment to fostering innovation makes it an ideal location for the NSTC Technical Center,” said Ann Kelleher, executive vice president of Foundry Technology Development, Intel Corp. “As Intel continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and expand our operations in Oregon, we are laying the foundation for the future of semiconductor research and development in the United States and ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancement.”
“Hillsboro’s Silicon Forest semiconductor cluster is one of three locations in the world, and the only one in the United States, conducting cutting-edge research and development in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway. “As the largest and most advanced semiconductor hub in the nation, Oregon provides the greatest competitive advantage for the National Semiconductor Technology Center, advancing the interests of our community, industry and nation.”
In February of this year, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it would invest more than $5 billion in semiconductor-related research, development and workforce needs, including at the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), to further President Biden’s goal of advancing research and development in the United States.
The NSTC Technical Center will focus on manufacturing-related research and development and will house the Advanced Lithography Center (ALC) at Intel’s Hillsboro site, equipped with the most advanced lithography tools required to develop the next generation of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. The Technical Center will host ecosystem partners, academic researchers and advanced chip design teams bringing the latest tools, materials and prototypes to work on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.
Intel has achieved a significant milestone for the industry by securing the world’s first commercial high numerical aperture lithography tool at its research and development facility in Hillsboro, Oregon. Known as “high numerical aperture EUV,” the tool is the world’s most advanced semiconductor processing tool and possibly the most complex manufacturing equipment ever built.
The Oregon CHIPS Act (SB 4) dedicates $240 million to developing grant and loan programs to support semiconductor companies looking to expand in Oregon. This state funding provides an opportunity to attract significant federal funding from the CHIPS and Science Act passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in August 2022. The Oregon CHIPS Act also provides $10 million to support communities preparing land for manufacturing bases and $10 million for the University Innovation Research Fund to help public universities secure federal research grants. The Governor’s Office is partnering with Business Oregon to allocate funds for projects.
Editor’s note: The NSTC Oregon team includes the Governor’s Office, Senator Wyden’s Office, Representative Suzanne Bonamici’s Office, Business Oregon, Intel, Oregon Business Council, City of Hillsboro, Portland State University and Oregon State University.
