NSF FAST Engine in Oregon

Award ID: 2532464

Semiconductors are vitally important to the U.S. economy and national security, powering everything from consumer electronics to critical defense systems. The Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) Engine brings together more than 98 partners across industry, K12 and postsecondary education, workforce partners, communities, and policymakers working toward a shared goal of restoring U.S. global competitiveness in semiconductors. Oregons Silicon Forest is home to the nations most advanced chip ecosystem and the only place in the U.S. where advanced logic chips are both designed and manufactured at scale. The FAST region spans 12 counties, including rural areas, and represents roughly 15% of the U.S. semiconductor workforce today, with strong potential for statewide growth. For the U.S., the future of semiconductors starts in Oregon. FASTs industry-guidedandAI-enabled Automatic Process Control concept will leverage AI to improvethe quality, performance, and affordability of advanced semiconductors.The regionsunique end-to-endindustrycapabilities make Oregon thenatural place to reshoredesign andmanufacturing ofthe worlds mostadvanced logic chips.FAST and statewide partners have formed deep, sustained cross-sector partnershipsto identify mutual needs, align strategies, and work together. The FAST project aims to increase the number of AI-ready semiconductor workforce credential holders at education programs across the region; engage with semiconductor industry partners onuse-inspired research; and grow a thriving AI-enabled semiconductor supply chain across the region based on FAST commercialized research. By building on longstanding state investments and regional collaboration, FAST aims to expand economic opportunity across Oregon, and help ensure U.S. security, technological leadership, and long-term economic resilience. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Michael Reksulak