On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced a substantial grant of $23.8 million to Vermont’s Tech Hub aimed at bolstering local semiconductor manufacturing. This funding is particularly focused on enhancing the production of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors at GlobalFoundries, a key player in the industry. The initiative will support the establishment of a start-up center for GaN design tools, an open-access laboratory for testing GaN devices, and educational programs designed to equip workers with microchip-making skills.
The funding is expected to train over 500 workers and engage approximately 6,000 K-12 students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, fostering the next generation of talent in the technology sector. Patricia Prelock, interim president of the University of Vermont (UVM), emphasized that this grant positions UVM as a leader in semiconductor research, further enhancing the state's reputation in technology and innovation. This investment is part of a larger $210 million federal funding initiative announced by the Biden-Harris administration, aimed at advancing technology and manufacturing across the country [68dfbd2c].