In a move that solidifies Arizona's standing in the high-tech industry, the U.S. Commerce Department, alongside Natcast, has chosen Arizona State University (ASU) as the setting for a pioneering CHIPS for America research and development facility. Announced last Monday, the facility will be a cornerstone in the country's efforts to regain a global lead in digital technologies, according to a statement released by Pima County officials.
The imminent construction at ASU Research Park will focus on semiconductor research and advanced packaging prototyping, an area of burgeoning demand in the tech world. The facility represents the third and largest CHIPS flagship center, equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities. It's a strategic investment that could funnel hundreds of new jobs into the region along with billions of dollars, expected to fully operational by late 2028.
"This is the largest of three CHIPS R&D flagship facilities being launched that together represent the greatest national laboratory investments since those that came out of the Manhattan Project," ASU President Michael Crow said in a statement. Crow highlighted the importance of the new facility for the state, emphasizing its role in cementing Arizona as a national hub for semiconductor innovation, as per Pima County's release.
With the backing of consecutive presidential administrations and bipartisan congressional support, the CHIPS for America initiative represents a major push to restore the United States to its former dominance in the realm of tech innovation. "You’ll have all three things together in the same place to help the nation; Arizona will be the hub nationally — and ASU is at the center of the hub," Crow told Pima County Newsroom.
ASU's role in this development is not just as a site for the new facility. With a research portfolio valued at $992 million in 2024, the university brings a wealth of expertise to the table. ASU's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering will provide critical support through its extensive Core Research Facilities and laboratories. Furthermore, the university's collaboration extends into the areas of faculty hiring, the development of new learning technologies, and the overall success of this ambitious national endeavor.
