Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Vermont to Drive Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing and Technology

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that Advancing Gallium Nitride (GaN) Tech Hub in Vermont was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The Advancing Gallium Nitride (GaN) Tech Hub, a consortium led by the University of Vermont, will innovate GaN manufacturing, a critical material technology for wireless communication and semiconductor production. Leveraging previous investment in GaN technology, regional physical assets, and technical workforce development programs, the Advancing Gallium Nitride Tech Hub will boost GaN manufacturing through technology innovation and prototype demonstrations, further developing semiconductor technological applications to strengthen national security and defense priorities.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“Investment in American innovation and supply chain independence is essential to our nation’s economic security and global competitiveness. We appreciate the Biden Administration and Congress for investing in this area, and the EDA for recognizing the important role small, more rural states like Vermont will have,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “We are very proud Vermont’s Tech Hub has earned this designation, demonstrating our state’s leadership and commitment to innovation and advanced technology. We look forward to deepening our role in this critical sector and supporting the creation of good paying American jobs that will help communities thrive across our state.”

“I am thrilled to see Vermont’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing recognized by the Biden-Harris administration. The CHIPS and Science Act is being implemented right here in Vermont, and I’m confident that partnerships between our world-renowned researchers at the University of Vermont and innovation leaders in the field will make our state’s Tech Hub—one of the first in the nation—stand out,” said Vermont Senator Peter Welch. “The Tech Hubs program is a commitment to U.S. innovation, our national security, and our global competitiveness. Importantly for rural communities, these hubs create jobs and bolster our education and workforce training opportunities. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I advocated for a strong commitment to including our rural communities in this growth opportunity, and I’m encouraged to see the Department of Commerce investing where it’s needed most.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to investing in workers and elevating American innovation on a global scale. This Tech Hub is not only a testament to Vermont’s culture of innovation but will be catalyst for new jobs and economic development,” said Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large). “Through the Chips and Science Act, we are investing in Vermont’s future as a technology leader. With workforce training and education central to the mission of this project, I’m excited to see the impact this investment will have on our rural communities.”

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.