Vermont has been selected as one of the 31 Tech Hubs in the nation by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The state will receive a federal endorsement and a chance to compete for up to $75 million in grant funding to advance its research and innovation in semiconductor technology.
What is a Tech Hub and why is it important?
A Tech Hub is a consortium of higher education, government, industry, economic development, labor or workforce, and other organizations that focus on improving technology and innovation across the country. The Tech Hubs program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022.
The program aims to accelerate the development and deployment of technology and innovation to grow the U.S. economy, protect our national security, and create good jobs. The program also seeks to ensure that the resulting economic benefits are shared by all, especially by small and rural communities, low population states, tribal governments, coal communities, and historically underfunded regions.
The 31 Designated Tech Hubs, located across 32 states and Puerto Rico, will leverage existing talent, resources, and assets to mature critical and emerging technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing.
How will Vermont benefit from being a Tech Hub?
Vermont’s Tech Hub, named Advancing Gallium Nitride (GaN) Tech Hub, is a consortium led by the University of Vermont and including GlobalFoundries, the state of Vermont, and other partners. The Tech Hub will focus on innovating GaN manufacturing, a critical material technology for wireless communication and semiconductor production.
GaN is a semiconductor material that can operate at higher temperatures, voltages, and frequencies than silicon, the most widely used semiconductor material. GaN has applications in various fields, such as 5G networks, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense systems.
By becoming a Tech Hub, Vermont will be able to boost its GaN manufacturing capabilities through technology innovation and prototype demonstrations. The Tech Hub will also further develop semiconductor technological applications to strengthen national security and defense priorities.
Additionally, the Tech Hub will create good jobs and attract the workforce and talent that will drive economic growth in the region. The Tech Hub will also enhance the state’s economic resilience and global competitiveness by enabling the industries of the future to start, grow, and remain in Vermont.
What are the next steps for Vermont’s Tech Hub?
As a Designated Tech Hub, Vermont will have the opportunity to compete for the next phase of the Tech Hubs program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs. The funding will help the Tech Hubs implement their strategies and achieve their goals over the next decade.
The Tech Hub will also receive support from various departments and agencies across the U.S. government, such as the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The Tech Hub will also collaborate with other Designated Tech Hubs across the country to share best practices, learn from each other, and create synergies. The Tech Hub will also engage with local and regional stakeholders, such as businesses, educators, workers, and community leaders, to ensure that the Tech Hub’s activities are aligned with the needs and interests of the people.
The Tech Hub will also monitor and evaluate its progress and impact, and report to the EDA and the public on a regular basis. The Tech Hub will also seek to attract additional funding and resources from other sources, such as private sector, philanthropic, and state and local governments.
What are the reactions from Vermont’s Tech Hub leaders and supporters?
The leaders and supporters of Vermont’s Tech Hub have expressed their excitement and gratitude for being selected as a Designated Tech Hub. They have also highlighted the potential and importance of Vermont’s Tech Hub for the state and the nation.
- Dr. Richard Galbraith, Vice President for Research at the University of Vermont and the lead of the consortium, said: “We are thrilled and honored to be designated as a Tech Hub by the EDA. This is a recognition of the excellence and collaboration of our faculty, staff, students, and partners in advancing GaN technology and innovation. We look forward to working with the EDA and the other Tech Hubs to make Vermont a global leader in semiconductor technology and create a brighter future for our state and our country.”
- Tom Caulfield, CEO of GlobalFoundries, said: “GlobalFoundries is proud to be part of Vermont’s Tech Hub and to support the U.S. government’s efforts to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry. As the world’s leading specialty foundry, we have been investing in GaN technology for over a decade and have established a world-class GaN manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, Vermont. We are excited to collaborate with the University of Vermont and the other partners to accelerate GaN innovation and commercialization, and to contribute to the economic and national security of the U.S.”
- Governor Phil Scott, said: “Vermont’s Tech Hub designation is a testament to the talent, ingenuity, and vision of our people and our institutions. Vermont has a long and proud history of innovation and entrepreneurship, and this Tech Hub will help us continue that legacy and create new opportunities for our state. I want to thank the EDA, the University of Vermont, GlobalFoundries, and all the other partners for their leadership and commitment to this important initiative.”
