URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Governor JB Pritzker announced the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois joined a pioneering SMART USA Institute.
The public-private collaboration focuses on cutting-edge research through a $50 million matching grant fund from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, supporting efforts at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park.
​"Illinois' cutting-edge research universities, synergized public-private partnerships, and dedication to the technologies of the future make the University of Illinois a natural choice to join a project like this, and I'm glad the Biden-Harris administration has selected our state's flagship to be a part of this institute," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Semiconductors, microelectronics, and quantum are all a huge part of the economy of the future, and this project will yield more research-driven results that move us closer to long-term manufacturing goals."
According to the release, the endeavor focuses on validation, the use of virtual spaces for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, development, and testing processes.
Illinois Grainger Engineering executive director Nick Colaneri will serve as director for microelectronics, while the University will oversee the Midwestern Digital Innovation Semiconductor Center. Workforce development while engaging the region's industry participants, emphasizing small businesses in the community.
There is $285 million available in federal funding for projects.
DECO has committed $50 million in matching funds, a portion of the $200 million for the federal fund matching for the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park.
"The energy and expertise of Illinois Grainger Engineering faculty, researchers, and students, and their experience working alongside industry partners are indispensable to American technological leadership. We're gratified to be joining the work of the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute alongside our colleagues in academia and private enterprise," said Rashid Bashir, Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering.
The SMART USA Institute, established with funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and 17 others nationwide, reportedly will increase manufacturing competition in the U.S.
The institute will also unite the semiconductor industry to unlock the enormous potential of digital twin technology. This will accelerate the design of new U.S. chip development and manufacturing concepts while reducing costs and improving planning, production optimization, real-time process adjustments, and facility upgrades.
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