Commerce Department announces $285 million fund to improve digital twins in semiconductor manufacturing
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced plans to “establish and operate a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute focused on digital twins for the semiconductor industry.” This marks the first Manufacturing USA institute launched under the Biden Administration. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been issued, and eligible applicants are encourage to submit proposals for the CHIPS for America Program. Up to $285 million in funding will be awarded to various institutes to develop, validate, and use digital twins for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes. According to the department, funded activities include “establishing and supporting shared physical and digital facilities; industry-relevant demonstration projects; and digital twin-related workforce training.”
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, “Digital twin technology can help to spark innovation in research, development, and manufacturing of semiconductors across the country – but only if we invest in America’s understanding and ability of this new technology. This new Manufacturing USA institute will not only help to make America a leader in developing this new technology for the semiconductor industry, it will also help train the next generation of American workers and researchers to use digital twins for future advances in R&D and production of chips.”
Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie E. Locascio added, “Digital twin technology will help transform the semiconductor industry. This historic investment in the CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute will help unite the semiconductor industry to unlock the enormous potential of digital twin technology for breakthrough discoveries. This is a prime example of how CHIPS for America is bringing research institutions and industry partners together in public private partnership to enable rapid adoption of innovations that will enhance domestic competitiveness for decades to come.”
Latest semiconductor news
Micron Technology receives $6.1 billion from CHIPS and Science Act to establish new fabs in New York and Idaho
Micron plans to invest over $100 billion over the next two decades, generating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Samsung to receive $6.4 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act to establish semiconductor ecosystem in Texas
This funding will complement Samsung’s investment of $40 billion into its existing hub in Texas, which would create 20,000 new jobs in the coming years.
TSMC receives $6.6 billion from CHIPS Act and announces third fab in Arizona
Additionally, TSMC may receive up to $5 billion in loans from the U.S. government.
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