Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon will bid for a federal designation — and money — so that an advanced lithography center can be built at Intel’s complex in Hillsboro.
The bid is for a technical center as part of the National Semiconductor Technology Center. President Joe Biden announced earlier this year that the federal government plans to invest $5 billion in semiconductor-related research, part of his plan to expand domestic electronics manufacturing.
Kotek made the announcement Monday, April 22, at a celebration of Intel’s plans for $36 billion to modernize its operations in Hillsboro and Aloha. Based in Santa Clara, Calif., Intel is Oregon’s largest private employer with 22,000 workers — and its advanced research and development plant is in Hillsboro.
Her statement:
“With our existing workforce hub in Washington County and a robust semiconductor manufacturing and exporting industry, Oregon has set a strong foundation as a decades-long national center of research and development.
“With support from industry leaders, the federal delegation, our universities, and local leadership, Oregon is excited for the potential to host a NSTC-affiliated technical center and advance our strong track record as a leader in the semiconductor supply chain.”
One of Kotek’s earliest priorities as governor was for state support to complement federal aid from the CHIPS and Science Act, which Biden signed in 2022.
The federal law provides $52 billion in grants and other incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing — Intel, which has plants in Oregon and three other states, got $8.5 billion from the Department of Commerce on March 20 — and $200 billion for scientific research.
The Oregon CHIPS Act, passed in spring 2023, dedicated $240 million to develop a grant and loan program to support semiconductor businesses looking to expand. The state law also funds $10 million to help communities prepare land for manufacturing sites and $10 million for a fund that will help public universities secure federal research grants. The Governor’s Office, in partnership with Business Oregon, has been working to distribute the funding to projects.
The proposed advanced lithography center is aimed at developing the next generation of semiconductor technology. The technical center will invite ecosystem partners, academic researchers, and advanced chip design teams to bring their latest tools, materials and prototypes to work at the leading edge of semiconductor technology.
Intel achieved a significant industry milestone by securing the world’s first commercial-use High Numerical Aperture lithography tool at its research and development facilities in Hillsboro. Known as “High-NA EUV,” this is the most advanced semiconductor processing tool in the world, and perhaps the most complex piece of manufacturing equipment ever built.
Statements provided by the governor’s office from others:
Sen. Ron Wyden: “The Silicon Forest and Oregon’s long and proven record of semiconductor innovation and manufacturing makes our state a naturally perfect fit for this center. I worked to pass the federal CHIPS Act in no small part because of standout job-generating opportunities just like this national semiconductor technology center for Oregon that’s uniting our state to take full advantage of our leading-edge position in the global semiconductor industry.”
Ann Kelleher, executive vice president of foundry technology development at Intel: "Oregon's rich history in semiconductor manufacturing and its commitment to fostering innovation make it an ideal location for an NSTC technical center. As Intel continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and expand our operations in Oregon, we are laying the foundation for the future of semiconductor research and development in the United States, ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of technological advancement."
Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway: “The semiconductor cluster in Hillsboro’s Silicon Forest is one of three places in the world — and the only one in the United States — producing leading edge research and development for semiconductor manufacturing. As the nation’s largest and most advanced semiconductor hub, Oregon offers the National Semiconductor Technology Center the greatest competitive advantage to further the interests of our local community, the industry, and the nation.”
pwong@pamplinmedia.com
NOTE: Corrects name to National Semiconductor Technology Center.
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