Science Corp. is building a new MEMS chip plant in Research Triangle Park

California-based biotech company Science Corp. is expanding its operations in Research Triangle Park , adding a new production facility that will make micro chips for both its own products and other biotech companies.

Why it matters: As medical devices continue to get smaller, they are turning to microelectromechanical systems chips and semiconductors to power them.

• Science Corp. uses those chips in its own products, including a visual prosthesis that targets two forms of blindness. But it also sees a significant opportunity to manufacture them for other medical device makers.

Driving the news: Science Corp. signed an agreement with Durham County this week that would give the company nearly $1 million in incentives, if it meets hiring and investment goals.

• In exchange, the company is investing $65 million in the new facility, called the Science Foundry, and creating 50 new jobs. Many of those jobs will require a two-year degree from Durham Technical Community College.
• Kara Zappitelli, director of the Science Foundry in Durham, told Axios that the company will partner with local universities and community colleges to implement customized training and internships for roles.

What we're watching: Science Corp. also intends to make semiconductor chips at its RTP facility if it moves production of its PRIMA vision device to the Triangle.

Flashback: Science Corp. first put a flag in Research Triangle Park after buying in 2022 the assets of MEMSCAP , including its chip manufacturing facility here.

• Many of MEMSCAP's employees stayed on with Science Corp.

The big picture: Science Corp.'s expansion is just the latest win for the Triangle's growing biotech sector .

• Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, recently announced the largest life science investment in the area's history, with a new $4.1 billion facility in Johnston County .