Intel has announced it will invest $100 million over the next decade to establish semiconductor manufacturing education and research collaborations with universities, community colleges, and technical educators across the United States. In addition, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will provide a $50 million match in national funding opportunities.

Part of a $20 billion commitment from Intel to construct a pair of chip factories in Ohio, the philanthropic commitment includes $50 million to be invested in the state’s higher education institutions. To that end, the company will establish the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio to fund a collaborative, multi-institution research and education program that will emphasize gaining real-world experience and innovating in semiconductor fabrication.

The higher education investments will provide resources for creating new curricula for associate and undergraduate degrees, certifications, faculty training, reskill and upskill programs for the existing workforce, laboratory equipment upgrades, and research supporting semiconductor fabrication innovation. Through NSF’s and Intel’s shared interests in supporting open, pre-competitive research and education advances in semiconductor design and manufacturing, the partnership will provide at least $5 million in grants per year for 10 years to award recipients. The funding opportunities will enable collaborations between researchers and educators to provide insights on fostering relationships between academic research and early higher education, laying the groundwork for implementing technology solutions, and growing the future semiconductor workforce.

“At Intel, we strongly believe that investing in education is necessary to ensure we have the right talent to support our growth and help the U.S. regain leadership in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Intel executive vice president and chief people officer Christy Pambianchi. “Our goal is to bring these programs and opportunities to a variety of two-year and four-year colleges, universities and technical programs, because it is critical that we expand and diversify STEM education. Intel is committed to preparing America’s workforce with the technology skills needed now and into the future.”

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