April 2025

ECEDHA 2025 CHIPS Act Update Panel Recap

The ECEDHA 2025 CHIPS Act Update Panel brought together a distinguished group of experts to discuss the implications of the CHIPS Act for academia, industry, and workforce development. This session focused on how academic institutions can align their educational programs with the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry and the opportunities presented by federal funding initiatives. Moderated by Mark McKinney, Professor and Department Head at The Citadel, the panel featured insights from four prominent speakers: George White, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Georgia Institute of Technology; John Ratliff, Executive Director of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence; Mark Allen, Department Chair and Professor at the University of Pennsylvania; and Antonio de la Serna, Principal Director of Strategic Technology at Siemens.

The session opened with George White discussing the role of the HBCU CHIPS Network and the importance of engaging non-traditional communities in semiconductor workforce development. Highlighting the $52 billion allocated under the CHIPS Act, White emphasized the need for more equitable opportunities for minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and HBCUs. He shared the progress made by Georgia Tech in creating a network of over 30 HBCUs working on semiconductor research and development, stressing the importance of trust and collaboration between academia and industry. White’s focus on engaging underserved communities resonated with the broader theme of inclusion and access in workforce development.

Mark Allen shared insights from the University of Pennsylvania’s workforce development initiatives, including targeted programs for graduate students, undergraduates, and community college students. His work in nanotechnology and semiconductor fabrication, particularly through the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure Program (NCI), aims to provide students with hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing. Allen underscored the significance of preparing students at all levels—those with associate degrees, undergraduates, and PhD candidates—for the growing demand in the semiconductor sector. He also highlighted the success of Penn's integrated design programs, which teach students to custom design and test semiconductor chips.

Antonio de la Serna from Siemens focused on the industry’s role in advancing semiconductor technology through partnerships with academic institutions. He discussed the need for innovation in semiconductor design, particularly in areas like 3D heterogeneous integration and packaging. De la Serna also pointed out that while the U.S. faces challenges related to manufacturing costs and delays in developing foundries, the real opportunity lies in leading innovation, particularly in the areas of design automation and new materials. He stressed that these technological breakthroughs would help maintain the country’s competitive edge in the semiconductor industry.

John Ratliff, representing the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, closed the discussion by addressing the workforce challenges that the semiconductor industry faces. With projections of a 67,000-person shortfall in the industry, Ratliff emphasized the importance of attracting diverse talent to meet the sector’s needs. He outlined the key elements of workforce development supported by the CHIPS Act, including data analytics, awards for effective programs, and building connectivity between industry stakeholders. Ratliff also discussed the need for universities to align their curriculum with industry requirements, ensuring that the next generation of engineers and technicians is equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.

The panel highlighted several critical lessons for academic leaders. First, there is a need for universities to engage more deeply with the semiconductor industry to align curricula with current technological demands. Faculty should consider integrating hands-on experiences, such as internships and collaborative research projects, into their programs. Additionally, it is essential to expand outreach to underrepresented communities and emphasize the importance of non-traditional pathways into the semiconductor workforce, including certifications and associate degrees. Faculty should also focus on teaching students not only the technical aspects of semiconductor design but also the essential soft skills—such as communication and problem-solving—that are crucial in the industry.

The audience’s questions sparked valuable discussions around how academic institutions can better prepare students for careers in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Several participants raised concerns about the challenges in attracting domestic students to the semiconductor field. Panelists addressed this by suggesting that universities increase awareness about the vast career opportunities in this sector, especially for undergraduates, and that they explore partnerships with community colleges to build a stronger talent pipeline. The importance of aligning academic training with industry needs was also a common theme in the responses, as it became clear that the future success of the U.S. semiconductor industry hinges on a well-trained, diverse workforce.

The panel concluded by reiterating the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government to leverage the opportunities presented by the CHIPS Act. The discussions underscored the need for agility in curriculum development, the importance of workforce inclusivity, and the urgency of addressing workforce shortages to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in semiconductor technology.