Young: Microelectronics Commons Selection Shows “Hoosiers are leading the way”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding the announcement that the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics (ME) Commons Hub, as well as its coordinating body the Applied Research Institute (ARI), has been selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) to serve as one of eight Microelectronics Commons hubs:
“Today’s announcement is the first major CHIPS and Science Act funding decision for our country, and the selection of the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub shows that Hoosiers are leading the way,” said Senator Young. “As we collectively work to grow the nation’s microelectronics base, Indiana will play a key role in the development of these critical national security technologies and capabilities. More broadly, this announcement shows how the CHIPS and Science Act will connect more of America, including the industrial Midwest, to the innovation economy. This is an exciting day for all who partnered on this effort across Indiana.”
Background:
This morning, DoD announced the award of $238 million in “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act” funding for the establishment of eight Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hubs. The Microelectronics Commons is a CHIPS and Science Act-funded national network for onshore, microelectronics hardware prototyping, lab-to-fab transition of semiconductor technologies, and semiconductor workforce training. The Microelectronics Commons initiative was launched in 2022 by the DoD. With $2 billion in funding for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027, the Microelectronics Commons program will offer opportunities to leverage these hubs to accelerate domestic development and use of cutting-edge microelectronics capabilities for the warfighter.
The Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub consists of participating state and local governments, academia, small business, federal labs, and other partners from Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) will administer the ME Commons program.
Senator Young and the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter of support for Indiana’s Applied Research Institute’s submission.
Young was one of the lead authors of the CHIPS and Science Act, which became law last year.