Agreement aims to put Fresno on the map for semiconductor-related opportunities

New partnerships seek to poise the Central Valley for a role in the growing semiconductor manufacturing industry.

On Wednesday, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Councilmember Nelson Esparza travelled to San Francisco for the signing of a formal partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) between global semiconductor manufacturing association SEMI; the City of Fresno; City of Clovis; California State University, Fresno; Fresno County Economic Development Corporation; and Silicon Farms Corporation (SiFa).

This agreement, the first of its kind in the Central Valley, is a step toward diversifying local economies, according to the mayor’s office.

The aim of the agreement is to place the Fresno region on the map as “open for business” for locating semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing facilities.

“This partnership is a monumental step towards ensuring that the semiconductor industry knows the advantages of the area and the support for their industry,” Dyer said. “Leveraging years of experience from the partners at Silicon Farms, Fresno is being positioned to have the best shot possible to capitalize on opportunities in the semiconductor industry.”

The MOU includes several elements, including “high-level” introductions by SEMI to semiconductor companies and related companies to SiFa and Fresno State.

There is also the intention that SEMI will use its global corporate and institutional framework to promote SiFa activities and Fresno State and encourage broad industry, government, and financial community engagement.

Atherton-based SiFa MANAGEMENT will fund and execute the agreed upon activities, events, programs, and partner services, unrelated to existing SEMI events.

Fresno State intends to establish a budget amount each fiscal year to support the execution of activities, events, programs, and partner services unrelated to SEMI events.

SEMI has 3,000 member companies worldwide, and its President and CEO Ajit Manocha said the semiconductor industry is expected to nearly double in annual revenue to $1 trillion around 2030.

“Adding new hubs such as the Central Valley will strengthen the semiconductor supply chain in the U.S. and globally,” Manocha said.

The Cities of Fresno and Clovis will assist with its resources to introduce SiFa and its related parties to local investors, property principals, and government officials.

EDC has intended obligations to support the overall strategy to enhance the efforts for the establishment of a High-Tech Park in the Fresno region.

“Our partnership with SEMI marks an important milestone for the Fresno region,” said Fresno County Economic Development Corporation President/CEO Will Oliver. “This collaboration will help diversify our economy, prepare local talent, and position the region to be part of the growing semiconductor industry, driving innovation and job creation for our community.”