Roundtable discusses investments in microchip manufacturers

Ben Franklin Technology Partners and microchip manufacturers recently held a roundtable conference to discuss how investing in manufacturers in Pennsylvania’s seventh district can grow the innovation sector and what it could mean for the economy.

The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology announced a first funding notice on Feb. 28 for the CHIPS and Science Act. The act is part of the $50 billion designed to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry.

The institute seeks applications for projects to construct, expand, or modernize commercial facilities.

The roundtable was attended by U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), leadership from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, representatives from semiconductor manufacturers, and representatives from Alvernia University, Lehigh University, and Upper Macungie Township.

“The Lehigh Valley has a long, proud history as a leader in semiconductor innovation,” Wild said. “Our region is uniquely positioned to host a semiconductor ecosystem – it’s why I’m a polite but extremely squeaky wheel in the ear of the Department of Commerce in pushing for our manufacturers to receive CHIPS and Science Act investments. I’m committed to working with local stakeholders to bring investments back home, so we can return to leading the cutting edge of technology, grow our local economy, and create good-paying jobs in the Greater Lehigh Valley.”