Sandia National Laboratories’ Role in Semiconductor Manufacturing
With the U.S. losing ground in semiconductor manufacturing, Sandia National Laboratories is stepping up to the plate by joining the U.S. National Semiconductor Technology Center. This partnership, established under the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to drive innovation and tackle critical technology challenges facing the nation.
Mary Monson, Sandia’s senior manager of Technology Partnerships and Business Development, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it brings together national labs, U.S. companies, and academia to create a powerful alliance.
Through its participation in the NSTC, Sandia is committed to enhancing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, national security production, and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies that differentiate the nation on a global scale.
The Importance of Semiconductor Technology
The need for semiconductor technology has never been more apparent, as evidenced by the recent chip shortages that impacted various industries during the pandemic. Rick McCormick, Sandia’s senior scientist for semiconductor technology strategy, highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in modern vehicles and emphasized the significance of the Chips Act in maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in semiconductor manufacturing.
McCormick also underscored the goal of increasing the U.S.’s share of state-of-the-art chip production to over 25% of global capacity by 2032, aligning with the objectives of the partnership.
Building the Future Workforce
In addition to advancing semiconductor manufacturing, Sandia aims to contribute to the development of the future STEM workforce. As the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, Sandia plans to leverage its expertise to train and engage individuals in STEM fields, aligning with the Semiconductor Industry Association’s projections for increased workforce demand.
By offering access to its facilities to NSTC members and promoting collaboration, Sandia seeks to drive technology transfer and empower private partners to further their involvement in the industry while fulfilling its own mission.
