Arizona’s Semiconductor Industry Set to Expand with New National Facility
Tempe, Arizona is set to become a pivotal hub for semiconductor innovation by 2028, as it will host the nation’s third national research facility dedicated to the advancement and packaging of microchips and semiconductor technologies. This development underscores Arizona’s growing reputation as a leader in the semiconductor sector.
Alyssa Tufts from the state Commerce Authority attributes this achievement to Arizona’s robust semiconductor ecosystem. “Since 2020, for example, Arizona has seen over 40 semiconductor expansions and those represent more than 16,000 high-quality, good-paying jobs,” said Tufts. “And those expansions represent over $105 billion in investment across the state of Arizona.”
The new facility will leverage existing resources at Arizona State University, with plans to retrofit current infrastructure to meet the program’s requirements. This approach aims to expedite the project’s initiation, with research activities already underway.
Tufts highlighted the importance of a comprehensive in-house semiconductor industry, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant supply chain disruptions. “What it really does is really positions us as one of the only places in the country where we have a full end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem,” she explained.
Despite the rigorous selection process, Arizona’s selection for this national facility was expected, considering the state’s longstanding history with the semiconductor industry. Tufts remarked, “The fact that Arizona and ASU were selected for this national facility, I think, really speaks volumes to Arizona’s semiconductor leadership and innovation,” noting the state has been preparing for such opportunities since Intel established a presence in Arizona in 1979.
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