Oregon Semiconductor Program Could Create 25,000 Jobs and 180 Startups, OSU Says

Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST), an innovative program headed by Oregon State University (OSU), estimates it will create 25,000 new jobs and 180 new startup companies in Oregon over the next decade.

A Potential $160 Million Could be Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation

Making the announcement, OSU President Jayathi Y. Murphy says the university led a coalition that could receive up to $160 million over the next 10 years from the U.S. National Science Foundation to grow Oregon’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Murphy says the funding comes at a pivotal time, with artificial intelligence and national security driving increased demand for chips. Some estimates show that governments and industry worldwide could invest roughly $1 trillion in semiconductors by 2030.

The OSU-led coalition includes K-12 and higher education, industry, government, trade, and community organizations. FAST will catalyze economic development and applied discovery to advance innovative prosperity.

Murphy says the results will be profound for Oregon and other regions.

“FAST builds on our foundational role in advancing the semiconductor industry, which has driven economic growth, exports and innovation for decades. FAST will create opportunities by developing the workforce and helping startups and small businesses engage in research and development that leads to important advances,” says Murphy.

FAST will initially receive $15 million over two years. However, Murphy says that with demonstrated progress toward well-defined milestones, the effort has the potential to receive up to $160 million.