Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently announced a $100-million investment in the infrastructure, workforce and research of the Arizona semiconductor industry. The Arizona Commerce Authority will manage the investment.

“Arizona has earned a place as one of the world’s leading destinations for chip design, manufacturing and innovation,” Ducey said in a release from the Governor's Office website.

One of the aims of the funding is to "establish a world-class public-private partnership focused on the development and manufacturing of next-generation semiconductor technologies," the release stated.

The investment capitalizes on the passage of the CHIPS Act earlier this year, which created "unique opportunities for the U.S. to attract and grow private sector investments in semiconductor equipment and materials, design, manufacturing," packaging and cutting-edge research, the release stated.

The project will focus on accelerated development, commercialization and manufacturing of next-generation, semiconductor-based technologies while working with industry partners to address infrastructure and workforce needs, the release added.

“With historic opportunities before us, this funding ensures we make the most of this moment and cement our semiconductor leadership for decades to come," Ducey said. "My thanks to all our partners in the private sector and higher education for their commitment to expanding our high-tech economy.”

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said the investment would pay off in Arizona's future.

“Under Governor Ducey’s leadership, Arizona’s economy has experienced unprecedented diversification and high-tech growth,” Watson said. “By investing in our advanced manufacturing workforce and core research capabilities, this funding promises to take that transformation even further. I am grateful to Governor Ducey for his visionary leadership and for making this historic investment in our semiconductor ecosystem.”