The University of Arizona is stepping up in the field of semiconductor manufacturing.
Researchers at the school's department of Electrical and Computer Engineering celebrated the opening of a $35.5 million expansion of a clean room for its Nanofabrication Core Facility. It's a place where researchers can make computer chips and optical devices, and keep them clear of microscopic contaminants.
UA president Suresh Garimella noted how important the upgrade is for the state's leadership in computer innovation.
"This talent and innovation hub combined with the clean room here puts us in a really strong position," he said.
The facility will offer industrial space and facilities to researchers from academia, federal agencies, and the private sector. UA undergraduates will be able to train for jobs in semiconductor manufacturing using virtual reality headsets that will bring them into a digitally-created clean room.
Arizona Commerce Authority president Sandra Watson called it another step for the state to chart the leading edge of the chip-making industry.
"Since 2020, we've secured more than 70 semiconductor expansions representing more than $214 billion worth of investment and roughly creating 28,000 new jobs," said Watson.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is building a massive hub for making chips in Phoenix. It plans to operate up to six fabrication plants there.
