Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in New York to Support Semiconductor Manufacturing and Supply Chain Sustainability

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub in New York 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 New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor) Tech Hub, a consortium led by CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity, will work to enhance regional semiconductor manufacturing capabilities through coordination across the region’s semiconductor fabrication investments, supply chain assets, and scientific and partner coalitions. In doing so, the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub will establish an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem that provides career pathways and ensures economic opportunity for the region’s historically under-served communities.

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.”

“This federal designation brings our state one step closer to establishing a hub for growth, innovation, and economic prosperity in Upstate New York,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Thanks to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, and the New York delegation, this federal Tech Hub along NY SMART’s I-Corridor will allow us to continue building our thriving tech sector, protect national security, and create good-paying, 21st century jobs for generations of New Yorkers.”

“Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are officially on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway. I created this program with Upstate NY in mind, and now three of our own cities that helped build America, have not only won the exclusive federal Tech Hub designation for semiconductors, but also won a once in a generation opportunity to write a new chapter for Upstate NY building our nation’s future. This 3 region Tech Hub will hit the gas on NY’s booming chips industry by attracting new companies, training our workforce for tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and bringing manufacturing in this critical industry back from overseas to right here in Upstate NY,” said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. “I pulled out all the stops to land this Tech Hub Designation for my great home state – making the case that bringing together these three cities and giving them the resources to combine forces would create an unstoppable engine that will rev the region’s industries to life and make Upstate NY a global center for semiconductors. With this Tech Hubs Designation highlighting the region as one of only a few in the country primed to be the next Silicon Valley in critical technology, combined with federal funding now flooding this triple threat region, America’s semiconductor manufacturing industry truly couldn’t be in better hands.”

“With this new tech hub designation, the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse corridor is well on its way to becoming a global leader in the semiconductor industry—a rapidly growing sector that is critical to our state’s economy and our national security. This designation will help attract millions in federal funding and private investment to Upstate New York, bringing with it new jobs and opportunities for economic development. I’m proud to have fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to create this program, and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars home to our state,” said New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

“After years of hard work, our region has been awarded Tech Hub designation, and I could not be prouder,” said Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25). “This historic federal commitment will power our local innovation economy, create jobs, and fortify our position as a leader in the global tech landscape. I am incredibly grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues from the New York delegation – together we are leveraging the unique economic strengths of our regions to pioneer the industries of tomorrow and secure our nation's technological future.”

“Home to more than 20 colleges and universities, robust workforce training programs, a vibrant STEM field, and a long history as a hardworking manufacturing community, Western New York is uniquely positioned to support the production of semiconductors in our nation,” said Representative Brian Higgins (NY-26). “Thanks to the dedicated work of public and private partners in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, our region is officially designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as one of 20 Tech Hubs across the nation. Made possible by the historic CHIPS and Science Act, this designation demonstrates the confidence in the infrastructure we have already built to support technology, innovation, and manufacturing and also recognizes the potential we already see in our growing workforce. It is yet another investment in a vibrant future for Western New York.”

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.