Oregon Just Landed Up to $160 Million to Grow Its Semiconductor Future

Oregon's semiconductor industry has a new engine behind it, literally. The U.S. National Science Foundation has named FAST (Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology) a Regional Innovation Engine awardee, unlocking up to $160 million over the next decade to strengthen the state's chip industry and workforce.

The award reflects years of coordinated work across higher education, industry, government, and community partners, all pulling in the same direction: making Oregon a globally competitive hub for semiconductor research, production, and talent.

TAO is proud to be part of the FAST coalition. This kind of investment doesn't just fund research, it builds pipelines. It means more pathways into technical careers, more R&D anchored here rather than elsewhere, and a stronger case for Oregon as a place where semiconductor companies want to grow.

Governor Tina Kotek called the announcement a validation of intentional work already underway across the state to build a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

The next decade of Oregon's tech economy is being written right now. Learn more about FAST and what it means for the region at fast-engine.org.