U.S. Ignites AI Hardware Future: SEMI Foundation and NSF Launch National Call for Microelectronics Workforce Innovation

The SEMI Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), has launched a National Request for Proposals (RFP) for Regional Nodes under the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a major national initiative to strengthen the U.S. microelectronics and AI hardware workforce.

This effort seeks to expand and accelerate semiconductor talent development across the country by establishing up to eight Regional Nodes, each eligible for up to $20 million over five years. These hubs will connect educators, employers, and communities to create “gold standards” in semiconductor training, support applied learning opportunities, and ensure industry-aligned education that meets the growing demand for skilled professionals in AI, chip design, and advanced manufacturing.

“The future of AI depends on the capabilities of its underlying silicon,” the announcement emphasized, framing the initiative as a national investment in both economic resilience and technological leadership.

By addressing the U.S. microelectronics talent shortage, the SEMI–NSF partnership aims to bolster domestic innovation, reduce reliance on overseas expertise, and accelerate the next generation of AI hardware breakthroughs. The selected Regional Nodes, expected to be announced in early 2026, will serve as training and innovation engines powering America’s AI-driven future.