Vermont Gallium Nitride Tech Hub
Lead Agency: University of Vermont
State Served: Vermont
Applicant-Defined Region: Burlington MSA
Core Technology Area: gallium nitride-based semiconductors
Contact: Doug Merrill ([email protected])
Media Contact: Basil Waugh ([email protected])
Organizational Link: https://vgan.tech/
The Vermont Gallium Nitride Tech Hub (V-GaN Tech Hub), led by the University of Vermont, seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of high-power, high-frequency electronic devices using Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor chips. This Tech Hub will leverage previous investments in GaN technology, regional physical assets, and technical workforce development programs to boost GaN-based device manufacturing.
The V-GaN Tech Hub aims to position Vermont as the global pacesetter in GaN-based device manufacturing–one of the few semiconductor sectors where no clear leader has emerged.
In January 2025, EDA announced that it selected this Tech Hub to receive grant funding of approximately $23 million to implement three projects, including:
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establishing a cutting-edge computing facility dedicated to supporting the design of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and other wide bandgap semiconductor-based device development for both commercial and defense applications by providing small enterprises and startups with the industry’s best design tools, deployment methodologies, and capabilities;
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creating a central governance and organizational structure to provide personnel and resources to coordinate and amplify consortium members’ efforts; and
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delivering of workforce training through courses, certifications, trainings, apprenticeships, and internships, all developed in partnership with local industry and based on skill gap assessments.
Designee Narrative (PDF) (submitted by the designee in its Phase 2 application package)