Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 10 that The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) will receive a $700,000 Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant to support the creation of a training cleanroom on its campus in Dallas.
The funding aims to enhance hands-on workforce development in the semiconductor industry, which is seen as vital for both regional economic growth and national security. The new facility will provide students and newly recruited employees with practical experience in cleanroom operations and semiconductor processing.
Abbott said, “Texas is where the workforce of tomorrow is training for the high-skill, in-demand jobs that support continuous innovation in technology. With this TSIF grant, UT Dallas will expand access to hands-on training in a real-world cleanroom environment. Working together with our higher education partners and leaders in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, we are advancing Texas’ leadership for decades to come.”
UT Dallas plans to locate the small-scale cleanroom within its Research Operations West building, also home to the Center for Harsh Environment Semiconductors and Systems. Dr. Joseph J. Pancrazio, Vice President for Research and Innovation at UT Dallas said: “The University of Texas at Dallas expresses its gratitude for the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and the Texas CHIPS Office for their leadership in enhancing semiconductor activities within Texas. This matching grant will enable UT Dallas to advance its semiconductor workforce initiatives across North Texas by establishing a small-scale training cleanroom. This facility will provide essential training in cleanroom operations, safety protocols, and semiconductor processing to students at various educational levels— high school, community college, undergraduate, and graduate—as well as newly recruited employees in semiconductor manufacturing firms.”
Senator Bob Hall also commented on the significance of this investment: “Texas continues to lead the nation in innovation, and investments like this ensure that leadership endures for generations. The University of Texas at Dallas is playing a critical role in preparing a highly skilled workforce right here in North Texas. This grant will give students and future professionals hands-on experience in a field that is vital to both our state’s economy and our national security.”
According to the official website of the Governor’s office the office promotes economic opportunity, education initiatives such as these grants align with broader efforts supporting growth across sectors while upholding state values.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott provides services throughout Texas according to its official website. Abbott serves as the 48th governor leading these efforts according to official information.
The TSIF program was established under legislation signed by Abbott as part of broader measures supporting research infrastructure through partnerships between government offices such as the executive branch, local businesses and educational institutions.
