July 2, 2024 – In a major win for Upstate New York, the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, encompassing Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester, has been awarded a $40 million federal grant to bolster the region’s semiconductor industry. This investment was announced by Senator Chuck Schumer, who visited Syracuse on July 2, 2024, to make the announcement. The grant aims to:
· Train workers for semiconductor plant construction and operation
· Expand semiconductor supply chains
· Subsidize laboratory access and testing equipment for small and minority-owned businesses.
This federal recognition positions the I-90 corridor as “America’s semiconductor superhighway,” according to Senator Schumer. The funding follows the region’s designation as a national tech hub last year, which is expected to attract billions in new investments and entice more semiconductor-related companies to the area. Key aspects of the initiative include:
· A workforce training program led by Monroe Community College
· Supply chain programs headed by the University of Buffalo
· Syracuse University’s efforts to support small businesses and startups in accessing crucial resources
This development follows Micron Technology’s plans to invest up to $100 billion over 20 years in a computer chip manufacturing campus near Syracuse, potentially creating 9,000 jobs.
The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, comprising over 80 public and private institutions, emerged victorious in a nationwide competition that saw 378 applications from 48 states and three territories. More than 80 public and private institutions across Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo are part of the consortium. The partners include some of Syracuse’s top technology companies, including Micron, Inficon, SRC, Saab, and Lockheed Martin. The consortium includes Syracuse University, Cornell University, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Buffalo, SUNY Oswego, SUNY-ESF, Le Moyne College, and Onondaga Community College.
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Credit: Syracuse.com