National Semiconductor Technology Center Opens for Membership

by Erik Hadland, Director of Technology Policy

Today marks a significant milestone in the CHIPS for America initiative: the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) is officially open for membership. This landmark public-private partnership is set to strengthen U.S. semiconductor technology leadership, reduce time from lab-to-fab, and expand the semiconductor workforce. With membership now available, semiconductor companies, universities, nonprofits and research institutions, national labs, and government agencies are invited to take part in shaping the future of U.S. semiconductor R&D leadership. The NSTC will feature “core members” who are engaged in R&D activities, as well as “affiliate members” who are non-research-oriented stakeholders in the ecosystem.

The NSTC is poised to be a one-of-a-kind hub for research and development. By driving innovation throughout the semiconductor ecosystem, the NSTC aims to tackle critical R&D challenges, grow partnerships, and prepare the workforce of the future. A key component of this vision is the newly announced Workforce Center of Excellence, which will provide education and training programs to equip the next generation of semiconductor talent. In addition to workforce development, the NSTC will offer an array of services, including a “design enablement gateway,” direct funding for research projects, and access to infrastructure and tools at future NSTC facilities. The NSTC also intends to host conferences and events, serving as the nexus of the U.S. semiconductor R&D community.

Membership for the NSTC is open to all segments of the semiconductor ecosystem, and the NSTC will feature technical and workforce advisory boards, ensuring the Center’s agenda is shaped by its members. Natcast, the non-profit operator of the NSTC, is encouraging members to join early to shape the NSTC’s vision and mission. SIA has long advocated for the NSTC to establish itself as an industry-driven enterprise to ensure the next generations of transformative technologies are developed here in the U.S., motivated by industry needs in collaboration with a range of companies, academic institutions, research labs, and other entities.

With applications for membership now open, the industry enters into an exciting new phase for semiconductor innovation. NSTC activities will begin in earnest in 2025, though initial programming and jumpstart projects have already commenced. The NSTC should continue to coordinate closely with other CHIPS R&D programs and initiatives across federal government to maximize impact and avoid duplication. This is the moment to help shape the future of the semiconductor industry – SIA and its members stand ready to get to work.