NIST Offers Semiconductor Project Funding

Connecticut businesses may be eligible for funding for projects that advance the U.S. semiconductor industry.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology officials announced the first CHIPS for America funding opportunity last month.

The department will support projects that construct, expand, or modernize commercial facilities for the fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors.

Awards will come through direct funding, federal loans, and/or federal guarantees of third party loans.

The program prioritizes how projects will advance U.S. economic and national security.

Applications will also be evaluated for technical feasibility and readiness, commercial viability, financial strength, workforce development, and efforts to spur inclusive growth.

American Innovation

The $50 billion CHIPS for America program is part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.

“The Act presents a historic opportunity to unleash the next generation of American innovation,” U.S. secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo said.

“Throughout our work, we are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening America’s workforce, and giving America’s businesses a platform to do what they do best: innovate, scale, and compete.”

Key priorities that will guide the CHIPS for America program include:

✅Catalyzing Private Investment
✅Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
✅Building a Skilled and Diverse Workforce
✅Engaging with U.S. Partners and Allies
✅Driving Economic Opportunity and Inclusive Economic Growth

— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) February 28, 2023

The Department of Commerce will accept pre-applications and full applications for leading-edge facilities on a rolling basis starting March 31.

The department will accept pre-applications for current-generation, mature-node, and back-end production facilities on a rolling basis starting May 1, and full applications beginning June 26.

This is the first funding opportunity, with more expected in the coming months.

Agency officials will release a second round of funding for the semiconductor equipment manufacturing and equipment facilities in the spring, and a third round for research and development facilities in the fall.