In 2022, Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act, a pivotal move to bolster American manufacturing, secure supply chains, and enhance national security. This landmark legislation, backed by the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America” agenda, aims to keep the United States at the forefront of innovation by investing in research, science, and workforce development. A key component of this effort is Section 9903(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which laid the groundwork for what is now known as the Microelectronics Commons (ME Commons).
Established in 2023, the Microelectronics Commons is a national initiative to facilitate the transition from laboratory research to full-scale microelectronics manufacturing in the U.S. The program fosters cost-effective exploration of new materials, devices, and architectures while safeguarding domestic intellectual property. With an overarching goal of strengthening America’s leadership in global microelectronics, the Commons accelerates the transition of new technologies to domestic manufacturers, ensuring the U.S. remains competitive and independent from foreign suppliers.
In a significant step toward advancing American microelectronics, the Department of Defense announced $269 million in funding for 33 technical projects under the Microelectronics Commons initiative. This investment strengthens domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities while expanding workforce development opportunities nationwide. The funding targets key areas such as quantum computing, secure edge computing, 5G/6G technologies, electromagnetic warfare, artificial intelligence, and more.
“These CHIPS and Science Act investments through the Microelectronics Commons will advance innovation for components that enable the most sophisticated defense systems, strengthening our national security,” said Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “Today’s awards are the next step forward in making sure that we win the future.”
The ME Commons is structured around eight regional hubs, each receiving a share of $2 billion in funding over five years. These hubs focus on accelerating hardware prototyping and building a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the semiconductor industry. Since their inception, the hubs have grown from 400 to 1,200 members, including academic leaders, defense industrial base partners, government agencies, and private-sector innovators.
The collaboration within these hubs is designed to lower barriers to research and development by fostering neutral, trusted environments for innovation. They also modernize research facilities and create more agile pathways for moving technologies from prototype to manufacturing.
Central to the Microelectronics Commons’ success is its commitment to workforce development. Each hub has implemented tailored workforce development programs to meet the specific needs of its region. These initiatives focus on expanding educational opportunities in microelectronics at smaller schools, community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Moreover, the hubs aim to reskill and upskill veterans and professionals, ensuring that a broad talent pool is ready to fill the growing demand in the semiconductor industry. Microelectronics certificate programs equip students with hands-on, project-driven experience, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.
“Microelectronics are critical to our goals of having a more reliable microelectronics supply and delivering next-generation capabilities for our troops,” said Dr. Devanand Shenoy, Executive Director of the Microelectronics Commons. “These awards will also upskill America’s workforce, helping keep America both secure and prosperous."
The Microelectronics Commons is not just about advancing technology—it’s about securing America’s future by fostering innovation, building a robust manufacturing sector, and creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers. Through strategic investment in research, development, and workforce training, the U.S. is poised to maintain its leadership in the industries of tomorrow.
As the program gains momentum, the Department of Defense and senior White House officials will continue to engage with regional hubs to ensure progress remains on track.
