The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a $285 million award to the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) for the establishment and operation of a new CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute in Durham, North Carolina. This decision follows negotiations that began on November 19, 2024. The institute, named SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA), will focus on developing digital twin technology to enhance semiconductor design and manufacturing processes.
"Digital twin technology opens the door for unparalleled opportunities for manufacturers to collaborate with researchers to develop and produce the next frontier of technological advancements in the semiconductor industry," stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Thanks to this CHIPS investment, SMART USA will bolster collaboration within the semiconductor ecosystem while expanding training opportunities for the industry’s growing workforce."
Digital twins are virtual models used by engineers and researchers to design and test processes digitally before real-world implementation. This approach allows faster iteration on design changes and leverages technologies like artificial intelligence to optimize chip design, improve production efficiency, and reduce costs.
Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, commented, "With investments like this one through the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re making good on President Biden’s promise to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States—and pursue the research and development needed to win the future."
SMART USA plans to engage stakeholders from across more than 30 states with over 150 partner entities including industry leaders, academia, national laboratories, economic development agencies, trade groups, and union organizations. Within five years, it aims to advance efforts in semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and testing.
"We are thrilled to have finalized the SMART USA Institute award with the U.S. Department of Commerce," said Todd Younkin, Executive Director of SMART USA. "The awarding of the CHIPS Manufacturing Institute is a reminder of the power of collaboration, the importance of ambitious research and development, and the enduring impact from both education and disciplined imagination."
For further details about this award or related programs like CHIPS for America or Manufacturing USA initiatives supporting U.S. advanced manufacturing leadership through public-private collaborations visit their respective websites.