Led by the University of Vermont (UVM), the semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries and the state of Vermont, the V-GaN Tech Hub is part of a nationwide system of 31 tech hubs developed by the Joe Biden administration to encourage a domestic supply chain in critical sectors like quantum technology, autonomous systems, energy, biotechnology and semiconductors. Doug Merrill, regional innovation officer at UVM, said in a video on the V-GaN Tech Hub website that gallium nitride (GaN) is set to overtake silicon as the preferred material for chips that make high-powered devices run.
“The global demand for GaN and related semiconductor solutions is rapidly increasing, and we are determined to meet that demand,” Kirk Dombrowski, UVM vice president for research and economic development, said in a public statement. “GaN not only holds promise for a wide range of applications in the technology space, it also provides an opportunity for V-GaN Tech Hub members to make northern New England the global leader in that space.”
The funding will support three key initiatives to build infrastructure and training programs to advance GaN development in the state.
A new Advanced Design Computing Center will provide startups with affordable access to semiconductor design tools, the news release said. The center will leverage resources at UVM’s existing advanced computing center, currently used as a research space for faculty, staff and students.
A new Test and Characterization Lab will be open to the public and housed at OnLogic, an industrial computer company in South Burlington. The lab was developed with input from UVM’s engineering and mathematics experts, industry leaders at GlobalFoundries, and regional semiconductor firms to ensure users can access comprehensive testing capabilities and sound technical advice as they work on GaN devices.
On the human infrastructure side, UVM’s Professional and Continuing Education division will create K-12 initiatives to foster interest in GaN technologies. They’ll also create pathways to education, training and career opportunities, especially for those in rural areas.
UVM is already working with the Vermont State University System, Community College of Vermont, the state's military college Norwich University and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, which partners with manufacturing businesses to help them meet their goals. The tech hub is expected to train 500 new employees and engage 6,000 K-12 students in the next five years, according to the news release.
“Investment in American innovation and supply chain independence is essential to our nation’s economic security and global competitiveness,” Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said in a public statement when the tech hub was first selected for funding in 2023. “We appreciate the Biden Administration and Congress for investing in this area, and the [Economic Development Administration] for recognizing the important role small, more rural states like Vermont will have.”
Additionally, the hub will provide grants to support businesses owned by underrepresented groups in the semiconductor industry. The initiative has already attracted 12 companies committed to accelerating product development through the tech hub.
According to Merrill, Vermont is on track to become a top manufacturer of GaN devices at high volume.
