SEMI Foundation Opens $160 Million RFP to Establish Regional Nodes for National Microelectronics Workforce Network

The SEMI Foundation announced the official opening of the Regional Node Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a national initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to accelerate, expand, and improve microelectronics talent development across the United States.

The RFP represents the second step in the NNME's national rollout, following a successful Letter of Interest (LOI) period that drew nearly 300 letters from organizations across the country: a response that reflects nationwide momentum and shared commitment to building a strong and highly skilled U.S. semiconductor workforce.

Building on that momentum, the RFP marks the next phase in identifying and supporting regional ecosystems that are ready to lead and scale workforce development efforts aligned with the growing talent needs of the industry. The SEMI Foundation serves as the NNME's Hub Operator, and expects to support up to eight Regional Nodes, each with potential funding of up to $20 million over five years, to establish and share the gold standard for microelectronics education and workforce training across America. The RFP is now available at www.NNME.org. Proposals are due by December 22, 2025, and awards will be announced in early 2026.

"The NNME is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align education, workforce, and industry in service of one of our nation's most critical technology sectors," said Michelle Williams, Executive Director at the SEMI Foundation. "With the RFP now open, we're building on the incredible response to the LOI process and moving one step closer to creating the regional and national infrastructure that will power America's semiconductor workforce for decades to come."

In alignment with the RFP, selected Regional Nodes will:

1. Design and deliver industry-aligned training programs that integrate cutting-edge technologies and track learner outcomes.
   
   
2. Develop strong regional partnerships among education, workforce, and industry to expand access and opportunity.
   
   
3. Build local workforce pipelines that connect education to high-demand semiconductor careers.
   
   
4. Facilitate work-based learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and applied learning experiences.
   
   
5. Contribute to shared infrastructure that provides hands-on access to industry-standard tools and facilities.
   
   
6. Lead public outreach and awareness efforts to inspire future talent and strengthen community engagement.
   
   
7. Coordinate and leverage existing initiatives across federal, state, local, and industry partners to ensure national alignment and impact.

Each selected Node will serve as a regional innovation hub, leading workforce efforts that align education and industry to create long-term, scalable impact.

"At the heart of the NNME is a simple but transformative idea: that our nation's competitiveness depends on collaboration," said Shari Liss, Vice President of Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI and the SEMI Foundation. "We're excited to see how local ecosystems across the country will come together through this process to innovate, share, and drive measurable impact for communities and the industry."