Oregon has won a major federal investment to fortify its semiconductor ecosystem. The National Science Foundation awarded a Regional Innovation Engines grant worth up to $160 million over the next 10 years to a statewide effort called the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology, or FAST, led by Oregon State University.
What the grant will do
The FAST initiative is designed to connect nearly 100 partners across the state — including higher education institutions, state agencies, workforce and economic development organizations, technology companies and community groups — to expand chip manufacturing, boost artificial intelligence research and train workers for semiconductor jobs.
“This announcement affirms what made the FAST proposal so compelling: investing in world-class talent, strengthening partnerships across higher education, and advancing industry research,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement.
The award is one of 12 regional engine grants the NSF announced nationally. The program emerged from priorities set by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act and is aimed at accelerating regional innovation to keep U.S. technology industries competitive.
Why it matters for Oregon
Semiconductors underpin modern electronics from smartphones and medical devices to electric vehicles and industrial machines. Oregon has long been home to major semiconductor firms and suppliers — companies like Intel, Lam Research and ASML maintain large operations in the state — but the industry has faced volatility in recent years.
- Scale: The grant can provide up to $160 million over 10 years to a coordinated statewide effort.
- Scope: The partnership spans nearly 100 public and private organizations focused on research, manufacturing and workforce development.
- Leadership: Oregon State University will lead the FAST consortium.
State leaders said the federal backing will help steady and grow Oregon’s semiconductor base and support research that could attract further private investment. The grant’s multi-year horizon is intended to create sustained programs for training and industry collaboration rather than short-term projects.
Funding snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant program | NSF Regional Innovation Engines (FAST) |
| Potential funding | Up to $160 million over 10 years |
| Lead organization | Oregon State University |
| Partners | Nearly 100 partners across education, government, industry and community groups |
For communities across Oregon — from university research labs to local workforce boards — the grant offers an opportunity to link training pipelines with research and manufacturing needs. That alignment is especially important as some large employers in the sector have trimmed workforces in recent years, creating urgency around retaining talent and building resilient regional supply chains.
The FAST award positions Oregon among a handful of U.S. regions chosen for concentrated federal support aimed at translating research into economic growth. For a state that helped build the nation’s semiconductor supply chain, the grant could be a key element in efforts to keep chip-related jobs and investment in Oregon for years to come.
