Oregon awarded $160M to expand the semiconductor industry and boost economic development

About 100 different industry, government and academic organizations are part of the consortium that will spend 160 million over the next 10 years to increase research on and production of semiconductors. These components are vital to virtually every electronic device you are likely to use, from mobile phones to home appliances. Industry and government leaders say it’s vital that the U.S. keep up with demand and support its semiconductor research, development and production.    That’s the intention behind the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology, or FAST, grant. Oregon State University  is coordinating the consortium’s efforts. Rob Stone is a Professor of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at OSU, and the interim CEO and principal investigator of FAST. He joins us to share more about how the money will be used and its effect on Oregon’s economy.