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13 min ago 2 min read
Texas A&M University (TAMU) has secured a $13m state grant to support semiconductor testing at the Cyclotron Institute in College Station.
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant will support the development of radiation hardness testing, which validates the performance and reliability of electronic components when exposed to radiation.
Radiation hardness testing is essential for developing resilient semiconductor systems with capabilities under harsh environments.
The project will also establish new beam lines and develop a spectrometer to advance semiconductor testing and nuclear research.
Glenn Hegar, TAMU System Chancellor, said the grant would support testing and validation of electronics and materials used in aerospace, defence, and nuclear sectors.
TSIF is administered by the Texas CHIPS Office. The grant programme was established in June 2023, following the Texas CHIPS Act legislation, and has since allocated $948m to support semiconductor research, manufacturing, and design in Texas.
TAMU broke ground on a in April to support innovation and manufacturing.
The facility, expected to be completed in 2028, has been supported with $113.7m from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation account and $48.1m from the Permanent University Fund.
TSIF has also recently administered a to US semiconductor manufacturer Applied Optoelectronics (AOI) and a to US chip specialist Avant Technology to advance the companies’ respective semiconductor manufacturing sites.
Texas is emerging as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing investment. US space exploration company SpaceX for a $55bn semiconductor manufacturing and advanced computing fabrication facility in Grimes County this week.
