Microelectronics at ASU
Powering the revival of American microelectronics
Creating a resilient microelectronics innovation ecosystem is critical to America’s security and economic competitiveness. Arizona State University is responding to this need by working with industry and government partners to reestablish America’s capacity for domestic microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
The companies America is counting on to meet this challenge have an immediate need for skilled workers to advance domestic production of microelectronics. ASU is building the semiconductor talent pipeline and mobilizing the expertise and capabilities of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to drive research, development and innovation. Leveraging Arizona’s strong industrial base and the state’s investment in the New Economy Initiative, ASU is working to strengthen the microelectronics supply chain and secure America’s commercial, national security and energy futures.
ASU’s approach is driven by industry needs and informed by corporate members of ASU’s Microelectronics Industry Council, the very businesses who are leading America’s resurgent semiconductor manufacturing sector.
Create a customized partnership
ASU President Michael Crow on supporting federal investments in microelectronics
ASU’s work in microelectronics expressly supports the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and the success of CHIPS-related initiatives, like the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). Leveraging Arizona’s strong foundation in microelectronics, ASU is positioning its research, infrastructure and education and training assets—along with national and local academic, corporate and nonprofit networks—to help the NSTC achieve its full potential for impact.
Read ASU President Michael M. Crow’s statement on the NSTC strategy, along with the NSTC Vision and Strategy document issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
ASU’s Fulton Schools of Engineering and initiatives such as the Microelectronics Industry Council create a friendly environment for TSMC Arizona. Our partnership with ASU is crucial for creating a strong talent pipeline and has allowed us to recruit some of the best semiconductor talent in the U.S. When complete, TSMC Arizona will create thousands of high-value jobs and bolster a vibrant and competitive American semiconductor ecosystem, and this is due in part to the constant support from partners like ASU.
Research to advance innovation and growth
Work with ASU experts to solve technical challenges and develop market-ready technologies
Accessible, industry-relevant infrastructure
Access ASU’s world-class microelectronics R&D facilities and equipment for collaborative research
Developing the semiconductor talent pipeline
Meet your workforce needs through scalable, customizable training and education
Learn about ASU’s semiconductor workforce development assets
Developing today and tomorrow’s semiconductor talent pipeline
The microelectronics industry offers good jobs for people at all levels of educational attainment and demographic backgrounds. ASU has developed an innovative approach to workforce development to meet the immediate demands and long-term needs for microelectronics talent. ASU offers traditional degree programs and rapid, low-cost options for upskilling and re-skilling of the existing semiconductor workforce, as well as workers from outside the industry. Highlights of ASU’s approach includes:
Multiple majors and specializations for in microelectronics, including from ASU’s new School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks
Semiconductor Processing Certificate for upskilling of current workers
On-demand, flexible courses covering major microelectronics-related skills for learners at all levels
Professional programs for engineers and technicians to address production needs
ASU is continuously soliciting feedback from enterprises, including members of the Microelectronics Industry Council, to enhance these programs and add to ASU’s catalog of microelectronics coursework.
ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering: catalyzing semiconductor innovation and education
30,000 students
the largest engineering program in the U.S.
7,000+ students
studying microelectronics-related fields
5,100+ graduates
in 2020-2021
150+ faculty
engaged in microelectronics research and teaching
70+
degree programs
7
unique engineering schools
Strengthening Arizona’s microelectronics foundation
Arizona is poised to be at the epicenter of the American microelectronics revolution —
and ASU is committed to ensuring the industry’s success in our state. Working closely with leading microelectronics firms and leveraging Arizona’s investment in the New Economy Initiative, ASU is mobilizing the research and expertise, infrastructure and human capital necessary for industries and enterprises, large and small, to thrive.
This work builds on decades of ASU engagement with business and civic leaders to develop the infrastructure, regulatory environment and talent to meet the needs of a rapidly growing microelectronics industry. As a result, more than 2,800 Arizona-based advanced manufacturers create 138,000 high-paying jobs, driving downstream growth of businesses and jobs across other industries. Most recently, Intel and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) invested a combined $60 billion in three new advanced manufacturing facilities in Arizona, and numerous other firms are making significant investments as well.