Kotek announces proposal to build national semiconductor center in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gov. Tina Kotek announced plans to bring a proposal to the United States Department of Commerce to build a National Semiconductor Technology Center in Oregon.

The governor made the announcement on Monday while celebrating Intel’s plans to invest more than $36 billion to expand its operations at their global center for research and development.

The semiconductor center will focus on manufacturing-related research and development and will feature an Advanced Lithography Center at Intel’s Hillsboro site, officials said.

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The governor’s office told KOIN 6 News they have not confirmed a location for the semiconductor center – adding Washington County would be under consideration.

Kotek’s office said the team is working on a proposal. However, a timeline for when it will be submitted is to be determined.

“With our existing workforce hub in Washington County and a robust semiconductor manufacturing and exporting industry, Oregon has set a strong foundation as a decades-long national center of research and development,” Gov. Kotek said. “With support from industry leaders, the federal delegation, our universities, and local leadership, Oregon is excited for the potential to host a NSTC-affiliated technical center and advance our strong track record as a leader in the semiconductor supply chain.”

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The Oregon NSTC team working on the proposal is made up of members from the governor’s office, Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici’s office, Intel, the Oregon Business Council, the City of Hillsboro, Portland State University, Oregon State University, and Business Oregon.

“The Silicon Forest and Oregon’s long and proven record of semiconductor innovation and manufacturing makes our state a naturally perfect fit for this center,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I worked to pass the federal CHIPS Act in no small part because of standout job-generating opportunities just like this national semiconductor technology center for Oregon that’s uniting our state to take full advantage of our leading-edge position in the global semiconductor industry.”

Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway said, “The semiconductor cluster in Hillsboro’s Silicon Forest is one of three places in the world — and the only one in the United States — producing leading-edge research and development for semiconductor manufacturing.”

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He added, “As the nation’s largest and most advanced semiconductor hub, Oregon offers the National Semiconductor Technology Center the greatest competitive advantage to further the interests of our local community, the industry, and the nation.”

The proposal comes as Oregon positions itself as a leader in the semiconductor industry after making investments under the Oregon CHIPS Act (Senate Bill 4) which dedicated $240 million to create a grant and loan program for semiconductor businesses looking to expand in Oregon, along with $10 million to help communities prepare land for manufacturing sites, and $10 million to help public universities secure federal research grants.

The Biden administration expects to invest more than $5 billion in semiconductor research, including a NSTC.

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