SEMI Foundation Opens Applications for Regional Nodes in National Microelectronics Education Network

The SEMI Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the application process for organizations seeking to become Regional Nodes in the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a nationwide initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce that aims to advance education, training, and employment pathways in the U.S. microelectronics sector.

This release marks the first step in the review and selection process designed to identify and support regional ecosystems that are ready to lead and scale workforce development efforts aligned with the growing talent needs of the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. The SEMI Foundation is serving as the NNME's Coordinating Hub, which includes development, coordination, and scaling of Regional Node activities nationwide. NNME expects to support up to eight nodes, each with up to $20 million over five years.

"We've spent years listening, collaborating, and building trust, and the NNME is where all of that work takes flight," said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. "In an industry that's shaping the future, investing in people isn't just important, it's everything. This is our moment to build the national workforce infrastructure our ecosystem needs, one that matches the scale of our ambitions and the promise of what we can achieve together."

"A key component of our nation's technology strategy has to be talent — specifically, ensuring our nation has a world-class workforce that is qualified and equipped to compete globally in the technology sectors we know will drive the economy of the future," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "NSF is thrilled to be investing in the National Network for Microelectronics Education, which will coordinate and expand access to workforce training opportunities for America's semiconductor industry. Together with the private sector, NNME will bolster opportunity for all Americans and strengthen our competitive advantage in a technology sector critical to our economic future and national security."