Arizona is leading the nation in supporting the U.S. CHIPS Act economic and national security objectives. Even before it was signed into law on August 9, 2022, Arizona had one of the fastest-growing and most established semiconductor industries in the world. The passage of the CHIPS Act and new investment and actions from state and industry leaders have accelerated the growth of Arizona’s productive and efficient semiconductor ecosystem.
To maximize opportunities under the CHIPS Act, Arizona, under Governor Katie Hobbs’ leadership, has launched an unprecedented collaborative effort, bringing together stakeholders from state and local governments, industry, trade groups, economic development organizations, universities and community colleges, workforce partners, and more.
“From new investments in childcare to first-of-their-kind training programs and pioneering industry partnerships, Arizona has mobilized all stakeholders in the support of CHIPS Act opportunities,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “We are working relentlessly to create good-paying jobs for everyday Arizonans and build our state’s economic future. With our investments in creating a state primed for investment from semiconductor companies from around the world, I know Arizona can lead the country in advanced manufacturing and technology jobs.”
These efforts have led to important new initiatives to enhance the state’s semiconductor ecosystem including new industry-led apprenticeships and workforce programs, investments in university infrastructure and R&D, first-of-its kinds training accelerators at community colleges, a national industry roadmap and more.
“Since TSMC’s historic announcement in 2020 of our plans to build a leading-edge semiconductor fab in the state, the CHIPS Act legislation was passed, and Arizona has become a top semiconductor innovation cluster in the United States,” said Brian Harrison, President of TSMC Arizona. “When complete, TSMC Arizona will operate the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology in the country. To support our operation long-term, we value collaborations which advance our growing supplier ecosystem and bolster local workforce pipeline programs. We are grateful to state leaders, and economic development organizations such as Arizona Commerce Authority for their support of TSMC Arizona and our industry at large on such efforts.”
Read Arizona’s CHIPS Act Fact Sheet
Arizona already has been an early winner of the CHIPS Act. In September, the Department of Defense selected an ASU-led consortium of more than 70 partners, including the ACA, as one of eight Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hubs. The nearly $40 million award for the Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub was the second-highest amount awarded and represents the first allocation of funding from the CHIPS Act.
In addition, in February, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs awarded a $13.8 million cooperative agreement to ASU under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, which is created by the CHIPS Act. The new initiative will bolster the assembly, testing, and packaging capabilities in partner countries in the Americas and Indo-Pacific.
Since January 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 35 announced semiconductor industry expansions representing over 13,000 jobs and over $65 billion in investment, making Arizona no. 1 in the nation for new semiconductor jobs, investment, and supplier expansions.
