Intel Corp. Friday broke ground on its latest project, a massive chipmaking facility in Ohio.

The company, which has operations in the Rio Rancho area in New Mexico, also announced funding for its Ohio Semiconductor Education and Research Program. During this first phase, Intel is providing $17.7 million for eight proposals from leading institutions and collaborators in Ohio to develop semiconductor-focused education and workforce programs.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in the journey to build a more geographically balanced and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO, in a press statement.

“The establishment of the Silicon Heartland is testament to the power of government incentives to unlock private investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and benefit U.S. economic and national security. We would not be here today without the support of leaders in the administration, Congress and the state of Ohio, who share a vision to help restore the United States to its rightful place as a leader in advanced chipmaking.”

President Joe Biden joined Intel, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other federal, state and local officials to celebrate breaking ground.

 

The value of semiconductors cannot be overstated. Said Intel: “Semiconductors are the brains behind the technology that powers our digital age. These chips are critical to the foundations of the U.S. economy, national security and technology leadership. Investing to revitalize the U.S. chipmaking ecosystem will bring a broad range of economic benefits, while helping to restore balance, dependability and resilience to the global semiconductor supply chain.”

In Ohio, according to the press statement, Intel’s more than $20 billion planned investment is expected to generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 long-term positions in manufacturing and engineering. It will also provide capacity for Intel’s next-generation products, supporting growing demand for the company’s new foundry business, Intel Foundry Services (IFS).

This isn’t Intel’s only growth in recent years.

Intel’s investment in Ohio builds on the company’s announcement in Arizona to build two new fabs and its expansion in New Mexico to add advanced packaging capabilities. When combined with Intel’s silicon R&D capabilities, this new site in Licking County, Ohio, will expand the company’s U.S. “lab-to-fab” pipeline.

Intel also recently celebrated the grand opening of the latest expansion of its leading-edge developmental factory in Oregon, where engineers advance Moore’s Law by creating new transistor architectures, wafer processes and packaging technologies that underpin the company’s product roadmap. That investment represents the next phase of Intel’s commitment to driving U.S. leadership in semiconductor research and development.

Intel, the company said, “is committed to expanding digital readiness to reach 30 million people in 30,000 institutions in 30 countries. This education and workforce program is one more step forward in Intel’s 2030 Goals and the company’s dedication to using tech as a force for good, underscoring its aim to make technology fully inclusive and to expand digital readiness worldwide.

Other development, according to the statement:

  • This week, the U.S. National Science Foundation and Intel launched the first phase of the $100 million national collaboration over the next 10 years to conduct research and to expand and diversify the workforce.
  • In March, Intel launched the semiconductor manufacturing Quick Start program at Mesa Community College in Arizona. Quick Start is an accelerated two-week program that prepares students for rewarding careers as semiconductor technicians with hands-on learning from experienced Intel employees as instructors.
  • And this year, Intel expanded its AI for Workforce program in which Intel collaborates with community colleges to address workforce readiness skills through instruction in artificial intelligence. Currently there are 70 schools in 32 states participating in the AI Incubator Network, and in July, Intel and others awarded $600,000 to 15 community colleges to build their AI labs.