Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce | Ballotpedia
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant funding opportunity for the establishment of a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute focused on digital twins for the semiconductor industry. The initiative, with an anticipated funding of up to $285 million, aims to advance research and development in semiconductor manufacturing processes by leveraging digital twin technology.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of investing in America's understanding and utilization of digital twin technology, stating, "Digital twin technology can help to spark innovation in research, development, and manufacturing of semiconductors across the country." This new Manufacturing USA institute not only aims to position America as a leader in developing this technology but also to train the next generation of American workers and researchers in utilizing digital twins for future advancements in chip production.
Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, emphasized the role of digital twin technology in accelerating the development of robust semiconductor manufacturing processes, stating, "Digital twin technology can accelerate the costly and time-consuming work to develop the next generation of robust manufacturing for this extraordinarily complicated product."
Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Laurie E. Locascio expressed optimism about the transformative potential of digital twin technology in the semiconductor industry, stating, "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."
The CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute, part of the broader Manufacturing USA network, is expected to address crucial manufacturing challenges in the semiconductor industry by fostering collaboration and innovation. Dr. Eric Forsythe and Dr. Michael McKittrick, key figures in the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Program, will provide further details on the funding opportunity in a briefing scheduled for May 8, 2024.
The initiative aims to bring together industry partners and research institutions in a public-private partnership to drive innovation and enhance domestic competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing. Interested parties can participate in a one-day hybrid meeting on May 16, 2024, to learn more about the funding opportunity.
CHIPS for America is a vital component of President Biden's economic plan, aiming to stimulate private sector investment, create jobs, and revitalize communities through investments in semiconductor manufacturing. The program is housed within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce, leveraging NIST's expertise and industry relationships to drive innovation in the semiconductor ecosystem.
