The Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) at the University of Minnesota has announced the formation of the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium Made possible through generous support from industry leaders such as Honeywell, Raytheon Technologies's Collins Aerospace, and Polar Semiconductor, along with the Minnesota Nano Center and the state's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this consortium will play a key role in preparing Minnesota's workforce for careers in semiconductor manufacturing.
The launch of this consortium marks a significant milestone in Minnesota's drive for technological innovation and economic growth. By partnering with various corporations, academic institutions, and DE, TLI aims to equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the semiconductor industry. The Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium will offer comprehensive training programs covering vital areas like microfabrication process flow,ography etching, and other cutting-edge techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience through laboratory components hosted by the Minnesota Nano Center.
Through this collaborative effort, the consortium plans to establish a sustainable workforce development framework that will continue to benefit the semiconductor industry beyond initial funding. Surya Iyer, President & COO of Polar Semiconductor, foresees the partnership growing and supporting a flourishing ecosystem of semiconductor companies in the region.
The Minnesota Nano Center is proud to contribute to the consortium's mission by enhancing worker training for advanced microelectronics manufacturing. Jim Marti, Senior Scientist and Outreach Coordinator at the Minnesota Nano Center, emphasizes the significance of expanding the technical workforce to maintain economic and technical leadership regionally and nationally.
Honeywell Aerospace also applauds the grant funding received by TLI for this transformative training program. Lisa Napolitano, VP and GM of Honeywell's Space Division, highlights the importance of semiconductor job for global advancements. With the rise of demanding missions, highly skilled technicians will play a crucial role in surpassing milestones like the recent journey to Mars.
Beyond its immediate impact on workforce development, the consortium is positioned to establish more partnerships with regional semiconductor firms and capitalize on opportunities provided by the CHIPS Act. This legislation grants access to billions of dollars for semiconductor technology hubs, offering the potential for thousands of high-skilled job opportunities in the region.
