University of Oregon gets $2M to boost semiconductor industry training program

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – The University of Oregon recently received $2 million in funding from the Oregon State Legislature to help more students develop the skills to work in the semiconductor industry, the school announced Tuesday.

With the funding, UO says it aims to double the number of students who can train in semiconductor research, design and fabrication through the university’s Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program — an accelerated master’s program for those who wish to get hands-on experience.

The program currently sends approximately 40 students into the field each year.

Funding will also go toward equipment such as electron microscopes, which could be used for other training programs that also funnel students into microchip manufacturing.

“The semiconductor industry is pivotal for the U.S. economy; chips drive everything,” said Stacey Wagner with UO’s Phil and Penny Knight Campus. “We wanted to increase our impact on the workforce by increasing the capacity of our master’s degree programs.”

Oregon is currently the nation’s leading chips producer, and Gov. Tina Kotek has led several initiatives to invest in the semiconductor industry, such as signing the Oregon CHIPS Act with a $210 million investment in microchip manufacturing and building a 373-acre semiconductor facility adjacent to Hillsboro.

Rep. Hai Pham of the northern Willamette Valley encouraged the state’s investment at UO, believing the school could help students get a “running start.”

“This funding ensures UO students have meaningful opportunities as they prepare to take on high-demand jobs in the semiconductor industry right here at home,” Pham said. “By expanding training programs and providing cutting-edge equipment, we’re giving our students a running start while securing Oregon’s leadership in this critical sector.”

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