One hopes that in two and four years time, Arizona Democratic Leaders across the state, from local district to Representative to Senator to statewide officeholders will campaign on how they (without hardly any Republican support,) along with their partners in the Biden/Harris Administration brought future forward infrastructure, semiconductor, and clean energy industries to the Grand Canyon state that will have created thousands of high paying white, blue, and green collar jobs.
Today (January 6, 2025,) the Biden/Harris Administration announced their latest parting gift to the Grand Canyon State with the announcement that a third CHIPS Research and Development Facility would be constructed at the Arizona State University Park at the Tempe and Chandler Border at Elliot and the 101 Freeway.
It is projected to be operational by 2028.
According to a press release by the United States Department of Commerce, the new research and development facility known as “The CHIPS for America NSTC Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility (PPF), an NSTC and NAPMP facility, will feature cutting-edge capabilities to bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale semiconductor production. It will enable researchers and industry leaders to develop and test new materials, devices, and advanced packaging solutions in a state-of-the-art R&D environment. This newly constructed facility is expected to be operational in 2028 and will play a key role in driving U.S. leadership in semiconductor innovation, economic growth, and national security.”
Commenting on the announcement, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated:
A strong research and development ecosystem is essential to ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. Arizona has long been a hub for technological progress, and this new facility will strengthen our domestic supply chain, drive advanced manufacturing breakthroughs, and secure America’s leadership in this critical industry. Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, combined with the other two CHIPS for America R&D flagship facilities, we will help bring American innovations to the global market, further securing our national and economic security.”
In the same press release, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian offered:
“Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science act, we are investing at historic levels in the technologies of both today and tomorrow. Today’s announcement with ASU ensures the United States will continue to be a leader in research and development and win the future by investing in skilled workers, moonshot technologies, and the advancements needed to stay ahead in critical industries, such as AI.”
In a separate press release from Senator Mark Kelly, one of the key sponsors of the CHIPS and Science Act, he, ASU President Michael Crow, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and other local mayors relayed their reactions to the announcement.
Senator Kelly stated:
“This groundbreaking effort will mean that researchers and startups won’t need to go to China or Europe to test out their cutting-edge prototype microchips—they’ll be able to do that right here in America. Creating this world-class prototyping and packaging facility was a priority of mine when negotiating the Chips and Science Act. The United States must lead the way in semiconductor research and development, and there’s nowhere more appropriate for it than Arizona. The most advanced microchips in the world that power everything from AI to quantum computing will now be able to be developed, tested, manufactured, and packaged in our state. I’m grateful for Arizona State University’s commitment to being at the forefront of microchip innovation, and to the years of partnership between Arizona’s elected leaders—Republicans and Democrats—our business community, and our economic development leaders to make this happen.”
ASU President Crow commented:
“This is the largest of three CHIPS R&D flagship facilities being launched that together represent the greatest national laboratory investments since those that came out of the Manhattan Project. The CHIPS R&D project will create a national lab that will be the final piece in a semiconductor ecosystem that serves the nation with research and development, manufacturing and workforce development all right here in Arizona. You’ll have all three things together in the same place to help the nation; Arizona will be the hub nationally – and ASU is at the center of the hub.”
Governor Hobbs stated:
“Today’s announcement solidifies Arizona’s position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. This flagship facility will serve as an anchor for Arizona’s thriving semiconductor ecosystem while supporting R&D and supply chain resiliency nationwide. This investment ensures the next generation of this critical, leading-edge technology is developed here in Arizona, while we support the workforce and jobs of the future. I’m grateful to Secretary Raimondo and the Commerce Department and our Arizona Congressional delegation for their support. I also want to recognize the hard work of the Arizona Commerce Authority, ASU, and all their partners to win this national laboratory for our state.”
New Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego wrote:
“Arizona continues to prove its role as not just a nationwide leader, but a global leader, in semiconductor research and development. With this announcement, our state will serve as a driver of innovation for the semiconductor ecosystem in the country while creating thousands of high-paying jobs for hardworking Arizonans. Today’s announcement is why I fought in Congress to get the Chips Act into law. Thank you to Arizona State University, our business leaders, and multiple administrations across the years for making this bipartisan achievement possible.”
Representative Greg Stanton relayed:
“Future-defining advancements in technology like AI wouldn’t be possible without advanced packaging. It’s a national security imperative that the U.S. out-innovate our global competitors. Thanks to our CHIPS Act, this new Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility at ASU will help develop the next-generation technology America needs to compete and win on the world stage–and train the future of the semiconductor workforce here at home.”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego commented:
“Phoenix is proud to be home to the nation’s largest-ever foreign direct investment, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which has sparked a wave of projects that are strengthening our local economy, driving innovation, and transforming lives across the region. The NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility coming to the Valley is proof that our growing semiconductor ecosystem is positioning us as leaders not just in the U.S., but globally—from manufacturing to packaging. We are thankful for our ongoing partnership with ASU, which in addition to housing this new facility, is helping us build a pipeline of talent that will bolster this industry for decades to come. We look forward to continuing our work alongside academia, business partners, and strong Arizona leaders such as Senator Kelly to ensure the project is a huge success.”
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said:
“Tempe and Arizona continue to be at the center of groundbreaking research and development, leading the way in next-generation technology. We are proud to be the home of this new flagship facility that will serve as a hub for semiconductor innovation nationwide. We thank our partners at ACA and ASU, which have developed a world-class research ecosystem right in our backyard to serve our community and beyond.”
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke offered:
“Today’s announcement builds upon the CHIPS for America vision by leveraging the Valley’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and expanding innovation in the areas of semiconductor research and development. Our region offers the infrastructure, resources and talent for companies contributing to America’s strength and leadership in this vital industry.”
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck stated:
“The selection of Arizona as the home for the NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility is a testament to our state’s importance in semiconductor innovation and advanced technology. Peoria is proud to play a vital role in this ecosystem through our partnership with Amkor on their forthcoming cutting-edge advanced packaging and test facility. This initiative not only strengthens our local economy but also continues to solidify our region’s position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with regional and national partners to drive this critical industry forward.”
Sandra Watson, the President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority relayed:
“This announcement is a testament to Arizona’s robust semiconductor ecosystem and national network of industry and research partners advancing technology innovation. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hobbs, Senator Kelly, our Congressional delegation, the Arizona Legislature, the Commerce Department, Chips Office, Natcast, and all our industry partners for their leadership and collaboration. I especially want to recognize Dr. Michael Crow and his team at ASU for their steadfast partnership.”
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