Texas Colleges Leading in Semiconductor Research and Development

Texas Colleges Lead the Way in Semiconductor Innovation

Three colleges in central Texas are making significant strides in semiconductor innovation and technology research and development through a new state-funded initiative. This effort is part of a broader push to position Texas as a leader in the semiconductor industry, which has become increasingly vital to both the economy and national security.

This month, Temple College received a $9.8 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to build a new Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor. The hub will serve as a key component in training students for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. In collaboration with Texas A&M University – Central Texas (TAMUCT), the college is using these funds to expand skills training opportunities and create a continuous talent pipeline for the semiconductor industry.

Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Texas is where the next generation of innovation and technology is building, thanks to our skilled and growing workforce.” He emphasized that the Central Texas Chips Hub will not only provide students with high-demand, well-paying careers but also support the economic growth of the region.

The grant is part of a larger strategy by the state to lead the U.S. in chip manufacturing, especially after supply chain issues emerged under the Biden administration. In 2023, the Texas legislature passed the Texas CHIPS Act, which established the Texas CHIPS Office, the TISF fund, and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium.

Dr. Christy Ponce, president of Temple College, said the investment in education and workforce development is critical. “This initiative is not only preparing our community for successful careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing but also supporting the economic growth of Central Texas,” she stated.

The hub will offer a range of programs, including upskilling and reskilling for veterans, opportunities for high school students in career and technical education programs, and training for adults seeking high-demand careers. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials, short-term certifications, dual credits, stackable credentials, an associate degree, and even an onsite applied science bachelor’s degree focused on manufacturing and semiconductor technology. There will also be a military transition training program available.

DeDe Griffith, vice president of Workforce Development at Temple College, noted that the hub will also serve as a testbed for research. The training system and new degree pathways will be available at both Temple College’s main campus in Temple and its campus in Taylor, just a few miles from Samsung.

Other Institutions Also Receiving Support

In addition to Temple College, the Austin Community College District (ACC) received a $3.6 million TSIF grant earlier this year. ACC is using the funds to build an advanced semiconductor manufacturing lab and precision welding lab at its Round Rock Campus. The new 2,600-square-foot lab will simulate a real-world semiconductor manufacturing environment, complete with a classroom, airlock transition space, simulated clean room, Fanuc Fenceless robotics system, Smart Factory Machine Sensor Trainer, and tools like process metrology microscopes and automation studio software. A separate welding fabrication skills training lab is also being built at an existing 3,728-square-foot space at the Round Rock campus.

Meanwhile, the University of Texas-Austin is constructing a new quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility with a $4.8 million TSIF grant. This QLab metrology facility will support the semiconductor and emerging quantum industries in Texas and aid academic research in metrology.

State Senator Charles Schwertner praised the efforts, stating, “Central Texas is quickly becoming one of the most important semiconductor corridors in the nation, securing both our economic future and national security.” He emphasized that advancing semiconductor research and manufacturing ensures that Texans, rather than overseas competitors, will drive technological innovation.

Before the Texas CHIPS Act, Texas already ranked first in the country for semiconductor manufacturing. Governor Abbott continues to emphasize that the act and ongoing investments in the semiconductor industry encourage companies to expand in the state, further develop expertise among higher education institutions, and maintain Texas’ leadership in the sector.

Through the Texas CHIPS Act, nearly $700 million in taxpayer-funded grants is being awarded through the TSIF. Many of these grants have gone to companies with multi-billion-dollar valuations, including Samsung and a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company.