Vermont Tech Hub Raises Nearly $24 Million In Federal Funding

The Vermont Gallium Nitride (V-GaN) Tech Hub, a consortium led by the University of Vermont (UVM), GlobalFoundries, and the State of Vermont, has been awarded $23.7 million in federal funding. This funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration marks the most significant research award in UVM’s history.

The Vermont Tech Hub aims to create a technology ecosystem in Vermont and the surrounding New England area, focusing on driving semiconductor design and manufacturing, particularly for high-power and high-frequency gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. By leveraging GlobalFoundries’ semiconductor expertise and UVM’s research capabilities, the Tech Hub seeks to stimulate business growth and workforce development, ultimately enhancing the economic and social vitality of the region and the state.

Over the next five years, the Tech Hub plans to train more than 500 new employees in the semiconductor sector and engage over 6,000 K-12 students across Vermont in STEM education initiatives.

The Vermont Tech Hub is one of six federal hubs that received funding in this round, and this investment is expected to propel innovative projects in Vermont. These projects will promote GaN semiconductor technology, fostering economic growth and workforce development. Key initiatives under the Tech Hub include:

• Advanced Design Computing Center – This facility will provide start-ups with affordable access to advanced GaN and semiconductor design tools, reducing financial risks and encouraging innovation. Collaborating with UVM’s Vermont Advanced Computing Center, it will support both commercial and national security applications, driving next-generation computing solutions.
• Test and Characterization Lab (TCL) – Located at OnLogic in South Burlington, V-GaN’s TCL will be a unique publicly accessible lab in the U.S. offering comprehensive testing and technical support for high-power and high-frequency GaN devices. The lab’s capabilities will be developed with input from key stakeholders including GlobalFoundries, UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and local semiconductor firms.
• V-GaN Training, Innovation, Design and Engineering (TIDES) – UVM’s Professional and Continuing Education division will spearhead this workforce development initiative, which includes K-12 programs to ignite interest in GaN technologies, career pathways to increase rural access to semiconductor manufacturing positions, and continuing education in semiconductor design and GaN-specific skills. Partners in this endeavor include the Community College of Vermont, Norwich University, the Vermont State University System, and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center.

Twelve companies have already committed to expediting their product development through the V-GaN Tech Hub. This initiative will also provide grant funding to help offset development costs for businesses owned by underserved and underrepresented communities within the semiconductor industry.

Key Quotes

“The global demand for GaN and related semiconductor solutions is rapidly increasing, and we are determined to meet that demand. GaN not only holds promise for a wide range of applications in the technology space, it also provides an opportunity for V-GaN Tech Hub members to position northern New England as a global leader in that domain. This initiative has benefited from the contributions of over 30 partners and showcases the next generation of UVM’s land grant mission.”

– UVM Vice President for Research and Economic Development Kirk Dombrowski

“Vermont’s new Tech Hub will benefit generations of researchers, tech innovators, and manufacturing leaders. The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in Vermont’s technological and economic future is a testament to our innovative leadership and renowned research institutions. I advocated for this investment and am thrilled to see this competitive Tech Hub award come to fruition.”

– Senator Peter Welch

“I want to thank the U.S. Economic Development Administration for this investment. This funding is a strong endorsement of Vermont’s potential in cutting-edge technology and positions the state to be a world leader in GaN.”

– Vermont Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle

“GlobalFoundries is excited about the funding for the V-GaN Tech Hub. This initiative will be pivotal in bringing new essential chip technologies to market, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with UVM and other partners.”

– Ken McAvey, Vice President and General Manager of GlobalFoundries Vermont

“The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders have led us to this point. Our collective goal is to establish Northern New England as a center of excellence for high power and high frequency semiconductor development.”

– Doug Merrill, UVM’s Regional Innovation Officer