The Healey-Driscoll Administration is toasting a hefty $37.8 million windfall from federal funds aimed to turbocharge microelectronics development in the Northeast, as reported by Mass.gov. This award was part of a broader initiative, with the Biden-Harris Administration disbursing $269 million across 33 technology projects under the Microelectronics Commons program.
According to an announcement at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein affirmed the administration's investment in tech that is to strategically reshape the industry. The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub snagged six of these awards, more than any other Hub. "Today's awards highlight the innovation and expertise that exists across the Northeast when it comes to microelectronics and semiconductors, especially right here in Massachusetts," Governor Maura Healey remarked in a statement obtained by Mass.gov.
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, tying the importance of the sector to her personal experiences in a military family, said, "Growing up in a military family, I know how imperative it is that our service members are equipped with the best, most-reliable technologies available. That means tech backed by homegrown, state-of-the-art chipsets made here in America." These statements reflect the administration’s push for American technological self-sufficiency and job creation.
Economic Development Secretary and MassTech Collaborative Board Chair Yvonne Hao stated their pride in the NEMC Hub, lauding its capability to attract CHIPS investments to the region. This sentiment was echoed by Federal Funds and Infrastructure Director Quentin Palfrey who acknowledged the awards' impact on national security and regional innovation, "This is a major win for Massachusetts, the Northeast and the U.S. overall," Palfrey told Mass.gov.
The Coalition, lead by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), submitted 15 proposals for consideration and succeeded across five technological areas such as 5G/6G, AI hardware, quantum technology, and electromagnetic warfare. NEMC Hub's Director Mark Halfman advocates for holistic development, with funds not just nurturing technology but also "innovative programs that will help train the next generation semiconductor workforce," as captured in a statement to Mass.gov.
The NEMC's successful proposals reflect a diverse range of partnerships and areas of focus, with recipients such as Akoustis, BAE Systems, Sivers Semiconductors, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst embarking on varied projects. These endeavors are aimed to bolster the microelectronics sector from within, threading innovative research through the fabric of regional to national significance.
