The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a $285 million investment in the Semiconductor Research Corp. to establish the inaugural CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute in Durham, North Carolina. This initiative is part of a broader US$ 1 Billion funding effort aimed at advancing semiconductor production, focusing on areas like design, packaging, and testing processes. The facility will leverage cutting-edge digital twin technology to enhance the semiconductor manufacturing process, to train over 100,000 workers in this advanced technology within the next five years.
SMART USA Institute to Revolutionize Semiconductor Manufacturing
The new institute, known as SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins), will use digital twins—virtual replicas of physical systems—alongside artificial intelligence to drive innovations in semiconductor design and production. By partnering with academic institutions, research organizations, startups, and industry leaders, the institute aims to reduce development costs by 35%, cut manufacturing cycle times by 30%, and lower semiconductor manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over the next five years.
North Carolina’s Growing Role in Semiconductor Innovation
North Carolina is becoming a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like Wolfspeed investing heavily in the region. The state’s existing semiconductor ecosystem will complement the SMART USA institute, bolstering both production capabilities and research. The Department of Commerce’s investment is expected to further strengthen the U.S. position in semiconductor technology, as it continues to attract more domestic and international players to its expanding industry.
