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Arizona Leads the Way in Semiconductors

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Arizona Leads the Way in Semiconductors

Aug. 10, 2023
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The University of Arizona is committed to collaborations that are growing the semiconductor workforce and supporting the industry.

For more than 70 years, Arizona has stood at the forefront of semiconductor design, development and production. Industry leaders have announced more than $60 billion in investment since 2020, the most of any state, and Arizona leads the nation in the number of supplier investments announced during that time.

With decades of industry experience, a robust talent pipeline anchored by universities and community colleges, and one of the nation’s fastest growing populations, Arizona is positioned better than any state to power the semiconductor workforce of the future.

“Arizona’s semiconductor workforce has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by high-quality training programs from partners in industry and our world-class university system,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “These programs will be more important than ever as we lead the country in a new era of manufacturing resurgence. That’s why I’m proud to invest in new partnerships and initiatives that will attract and retain our fast growing, highly skilled workforce.”

The university is committed to expanding and upgrading its nano fabrication space and capabilities in partnership with the state, said Vice President of Semiconductor Manufacturing Liesl Folks.

Liesl Folks head shot
Liesl Folks heads the UA's Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing

“As the state's land-grant university, the University of Arizona is capitalizing on its unique position to support today’s semiconductor and microelectronic industries, as well as tomorrow’s chip-scale quantum technologies and photonic devices, with the support of world-leading researchers from across the disciplines,” said Folks.

University leaders are moving with urgency to address the challenges and opportunities present at this unique moment, she said.

“We are committed to advancing sustainable economic development, training the workforce of the future, and enhancing national security – thereby growing the pool of well-paid jobs in Arizona and across the nation.”

Read the ACA Fact Sheet detailing Arizona’s robust semiconductor talent pipeline.