A consortium led by the University of Vermont, GlobalFoundries, and the State of Vermont has been designated as one of 31 Tech Hubs by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), unlocking the opportunity for up to $75 Million in federal grant funding to further research in semiconductor technology.
Advancing Gallium Nitride (GaN) Technology in the Greater Burlington Area was selected by the Tech Hubs program from nearly 400 applications. The aim of the program is to “strengthen U.S. economic and national security by catalyzing technology-based regional growth that enables the industries of the future to start, grow, and remain in regions across our country,” according to the EDA’s announcement of the designation, which corresponded with a live event hosted by President Biden on Monday.
“The consortium’s Tech Hub designation galvanizes UVM’s standing as a national leader in research and workforce development related to this vital technological space,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “We are deeply grateful to our partners in the consortium—GlobalFoundries, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Vermont State College System—for their collaboration and support helping establish Greater Burlington as a national center for semiconductor innovation.”
The EDA designation paves the way for the consortium to apply for Phase II of the program, which will culminate in award implementation grants totaling approximately $50-75 million to each of up to 10 Tech Hubs.
“Investment in American innovation and supply chain independence is essential to our nation’s economic security and global competitiveness. We appreciate the Biden Administration and Congress for investing in this area, and the EDA for recognizing the important role small, more rural states like Vermont will have,” said Governor Phil Scott. “We are very proud Vermont’s Tech Hub has earned this designation, demonstrating our state’s leadership and commitment to innovation and advanced technology. We look forward to deepening our role in this critical sector and supporting the creation of good paying American jobs that will help communities thrive across our state.”
