From going into orbit down to the phone in your hand, semiconductors are critically important in a wide range of applications. Because of this, the U.S. has recognized the strategic importance of investing in semiconductor research and development to secure and maintain its economic strength.
Purdue University has answered that call. From working with critical industry partners to launching the nation’s first comprehensive Semiconductor Degrees Program to fostering ongoing, cross-disciplinary innovation, Purdue University’s persistent pursuit of microchip advancement through partnerships, programs and innovation ensures a more secure national supply of critical semiconductors.
It seems impossible that something so small could be the engine of modern technology, but that’s exactly the incongruity of semiconductors. These delicate electrical components, which you’ve likely encountered dozens of times today alone, are so small they’re measured in billionths of a meter.
In plain English: they’re incredibly small and incredibly important.
When semiconductors come up in conversation, the CHIPS Act almost certainly follows in the same breath. But what is it? Vijay Raghunathan, professor and vice president at Purdue University, Global Partnerships and Programs, Semiconductor Education, explains more.
President Joe Biden signed the $280B Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act into law on Aug. 9, 2022. The legislation is meant to be an investment in the American ecosystem of microelectronics and semiconductor production to reduce America’s reliance on overseas chip manufacturing.
“I had a chance to see firsthand what an extraordinary institution Purdue is. The thing that came most to mind to me was that Purdue University has got to be one of the leading, if not the leading, human fabs for the next generation of people who are going to lead this country into the technological future, into the scientific future and into the innovative future.”
– U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Purdue to promote domestic semiconductor production
A 2017 survey conducted by Deloitte and SEMI found that 82% of semiconductor industry executives reported a shortage of qualified job candidates and a minimum of 50,000 trained semiconductor engineers will be needed in the United States to meet the overwhelming and rapidly growing demand. U.S. economic security depends on developing a talent pipeline in this vital field.
Purdue-led project awarded $5 million for Greater Lafayette to grow semiconductor industry workforce
Peter Bermel is the Elmore Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. Recent supply chain issues have led to a chip shortage. In this video, Bermel explains how the United States can develop a workforce to establish itself as a global power in microelectronics. Bermel says that the demand for microelectronics, which include microchips and semiconductors, increased by 26.2% in 2021.
“The CHIPS Act… will unleash not only R&D, but the opportunity to create hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs in the semiconductor industry all over America, including in the heartland right here in Indiana. At Purdue, what’s happening here, is at the heart and soul of that.”
– U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, from remarks at a State Department careers event at Purdue
Watch this interview with Mark Lundstrom, Purdue’s chief semiconductor officer, discussing Purdue’s pivotal role in the development of semiconductor technology. As the United States strives to reclaim a leading role in the global semiconductor industry, Mark and other Boilermakers are acting to ensure our nation is prepared to meet the ever-growing demands for these essential components in virtually all of our electronic devices.
