The U.S. semiconductor landscape is undergoing significant transformation with the recent announcement of the establishment of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) in Sunnyvale, California. This initiative, revealed by the Department of Commerce on November 4, 2024, is part of the broader CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which aims to bolster semiconductor research and development critical for U.S. economic and national security. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo underscored the facility's importance for enhancing national security and maintaining technological competitiveness. Senator Alex Padilla also emphasized California's pivotal role in semiconductor innovation, noting that the state has been awarded 20% of all semiconductor utility patents in the last decade. The NSTC will be operated by Natcast, a non-profit organization established under the CHIPS Act, focusing on advancing semiconductor technology and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
In parallel, New York State is solidifying its position as a national center for semiconductor research and manufacturing with significant investments and initiatives. Recently, construction began on the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Genesee County. This facility, part of the Atlas Copco Group, will produce essential technology for the semiconductor manufacturing process, creating hundreds of jobs and reducing carbon emissions. The project is supported by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, New York's Green CHIPS legislation, and the growing domestic semiconductor industry. The first phase of construction will include manufacturing, warehouse, and administration facilities, aiming for LEED certification and utilizing hydroelectric power. Empire State Development has committed up to $21 million in tax credits in exchange for job creation, alongside $1 million for workforce development efforts. The New York Power Authority is also providing low-cost hydropower to support this initiative.
Additionally, the Biden administration announced an estimated $825 million investment in a new semiconductor research facility at the Albany NanoTech Complex, as part of the National Semiconductor Technology Center. Senator Chuck Schumer has been a key advocate for this location, highlighting its significance for U.S. leadership in chip technology and economic security. This funding is part of the $11 billion allocated through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The Albany facility will focus on chip manufacturing machinery, while two other hubs will concentrate on chip design and packaging. If expansions by companies like GlobalFoundries and Micron Technology are realized, it is projected that a quarter of U.S. chips will be produced in the Buffalo-Albany corridor. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Schumer's ongoing efforts since 2020 to enhance chip research funding and bolster the semiconductor industry in New York. [a8f6446a][80e3ccdb][92a5449e]