Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) Program

Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) Program is sponsored by Oregon State Government. Supports the growth of Oregon's semiconductor industry through innovation, research commercialization, and workforce development.

FAST | Economic Development and Industry Relations | Oregon State University The NSF FAST Engine works for Oregon's semiconductor industry. The future of semiconductors starts in Oregon. And Oregon State University is helping lead the way.

FAST — the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology — is a consortium of nearly 100 partners across higher education, government, the technology industry, nonprofits and investors designed to deliver real results over the next 10 years. FAST is one of 12 Regional Innovation Engines across 20 states announced in July 2026 by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

The NSF Engines program is a 10-year federal award of up to $160 million. FAST supports advanced research and innovation, workforce development and economic growth across 12 Oregon counties. Sound interesting?

Join us. Become a FAST partner . “This award serves as a prime example of a modern land-grant university in action.

The results will be profound for Oregon, the region and beyond. ” President, Oregon State University FAST accelerates semiconductor innovation in Oregon. With the NSF Engines award and collaborative partners, FAST is creating jobs, launching startups and meeting growing workforce demands.

“Being part of FAST gives Tektronix the opportunity to work with premier universities across Oregon, turning research into practice. Together we collaborate to tackle use-inspired challenges so that the research outcomes are successful and a win for everyone.

” Principal AI and Machine Learning Systems Engineer, Tektronix “Today, Oregon depends on roughly 2,000 additional engineering professionals per year from outside the state to support its semiconductor ecosystem. FAST will help enable us to close the gap with graduates from Oregon schools.

” Managing Director, Manufacturing Sustainability and Autonomous Enterprise, Global Operations and Technology, Analog Devices Inc. “FAST is an investment in Oregon semiconductor talent and will ensure that industry literacy spans our universities and powers up our workforce.

At Portland State, we look forward to expanding our existing capacity for semiconductor research and strong ties to Oregon’s Silicon Forest to offer students unprecedented opportunities to build satisfying careers.

” President, Portland State University “FAST expands educational opportunities for all learners and teachers in Oregon by raising awareness of authentic problems and building and sustaining partnerships between members of the STEM educational ecosystem, including K-12 schools and industry leaders. ” Ph. D.

, Executive Director, Oregon STEM “Oregon's semiconductor industry has historically been concentrated in the Portland metro region, but FAST is a transformational opportunity to grow this sector and spread the economic benefits out across the state, including to smaller communities like Philomath.

” “The National Science Foundation's investment in FAST recognizes Oregon's strength as a semiconductor state and the power of partners working together around a shared vision. The University of Oregon is proud to be part of this statewide coalition and to contribute research, facilities and student training that will help build the talent and innovation capacity and ecosystem Oregon needs to compete and lead.

” President, University of Oregon OSU Semiconductors in the news. From discovery to industry: Oregon State spinouts are building the future of semiconductors Brain-inspired memory device could boost AI energy efficiency Industry-OSU collaboration helps middle school students visualize microchips Graduates. Expertise.

Collaboration. Powering Oregon’s semiconductor industry. For decades, Oregon State University has delivered for Oregon’s $21 billion semiconductor industry, helping to keep the Silicon Forest a vibrant contributor to the state’s economy.

Companies can confidently hire well-prepared OSU graduates to meet their workforce needs. OSU also offers multiple workforce development programs , including online degrees, certificates and microcredentials. More than 40 OSU faculty have expertise in semiconductors, leading research and collaborating with industry to develop innovative solutions in chip design, performance and manufacturing.

Visit the Semiconductors at Oregon State website. Read about OSU and semiconductors in the Portland Business Journal . Frequently Asked Questions: What is a semiconductor and what does it do?

Semiconductors are the brains behind the electronic devices we depend on every day. As its name implies, a semiconductor can act as both a conductor — allowing electricity to flow — and an insulator — blocking the flow of electricity. Semiconductors act as on-off switches, and when arranged into integrated circuits like computer chips, they allow devices to process, store and receive information.

Watch a video that explains the fundamentals of semiconductor materials. The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program was established to advance transdisciplinary, collaborative, use-inspired and translational research and development in key technology focus areas. Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years to support regional coalitions of researchers, institutions and companies.

NSF Engines aim to accelerate the development of critical technologies, grow regional economies and secure America’s position at the forefront of science and technology. FAST is one of 12 U.S. teams across 20 states selected in 2026.

Along with semiconductors, the newest NSF Engines awards span critical technologies and applications ranging from enhancing energy grid security to maximizing the yield of critical minerals mining and extraction to advancing quantum computing. Who are the FAST partners? There are nearly 100 partners across K-12 and higher education, government, the technology industry, nonprofits and investors.

The core partners include: Education: Chemeketa Community College, Oregon State University (lead institution), Oregon STEM, Portland State University, University of Oregon. Industry: Analog Devices, HP, Intel, Siemens, Tektronix. Organizations: Business Oregon, Oregon Business Council, Technology Association of Oregon.

See the full list of FAST partners . Become a FAST Partner . What are the goals for the FAST project?

The goals for FAST are ambitious and achievable. Over the next decade, FAST expects to add 4,000 graduates to the workforce annually, create 25,000 jobs, launch 180 startups and generate $6. 5 billion in regional GDP growth for existing companies.

What is Oregon’s strength in the semiconductor industry? At $21 billion, semiconductors are Oregon’s most valuable industry, employing nearly 30,000 Oregonians and accounting for 15% of the American semiconductor workforce. Oregon is also home to the most advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing capability in the U.S. Why is it important to grow the semiconductor industry in Oregon?

Growing Oregon’s already strong semiconductor industry delivers multiple economic benefits: more high-paying, high-skill jobs, stable tax revenues and local investments in expanding and launching companies. It keeps Oregon — and the United States — globally competitive. And it fuels innovations for other sectors, including AI, robotics, clean energy, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

How does FAST support students? FAST connects students with workforce development opportunities including trainings, workshops, internships and research projects that enhance their knowledge and align with industry needs. In addition to bachelor’s and graduate degrees, FAST academic partners offer certificate and microcredential programs for people wanting to change or advance in their careers as well as K-12 outreach programs.

Why pursue a career in the semiconductor industry? The reasons to work in semiconductors are both practical and inspirational. From a practical standpoint, a career in a growing industry with strong workforce demand offers high pay, job stability and opportunities for advancement.

It’s also a chance to work at the forefront of innovation, creating new and better products and making a real impact for the dozens of industry sectors that depend on semiconductors. A variety of trained professionals are required for the semiconductor industry, including technicians, operators, skilled trades, engineers and researchers. How many OSU faculty have semiconductor expertise?

More than 40 faculty — including members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors, along with several NSF CAREER awardees — bring expertise that spans numerous areas related to microelectronics. Collaborative research includes AI-enabled design, circuit design, integrated electronics, materials and devices, process technology, packaging and heterogeneous integration and thermal management.

OSU expertise in semiconductors spans engineering, science and business. What are people saying about the NSF FAST Engine? “This announcement affirms what made the FAST proposal so compelling: investing in world-class talent, strengthening partnerships across higher education and advancing industry research.

It builds on years of intentional work by my administration and the Legislature to grow Oregon’s semiconductor industry and workforce. FAST will help accelerate Oregon’s globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem and reinforce our position as a national leader in innovation. ” “Oregon is the beating heart of U.S. semiconductor production, which makes OSU a natural choice to lead one of just 12 new Regional Innovation Engines.

This major federal investment will fuel cutting-edge research, good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Silicon Forest that will ripple throughout our entire state. ” — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon “This award serves as a prime example of a modern land-grant university in action.

It catalyzes transformative economic development and applied discovery by bringing together higher education, industry, government, and trade and community organizations to advance innovation and prosperity. The results will be profound for Oregon, the region and beyond.

” — Jayathi Murthy, President, Oregon State University “FAST is an investment in Oregon semiconductor talent and will ensure that industry literacy spans our universities and powers up our workforce. At Portland State, we look forward to expanding our existing capacity for semiconductor research and strong ties to Oregon’s Silicon Forest to offer students unprecedented opportunities to build satisfying careers.

” — Ann Cudd, President, Portland State University “The National Science Foundation's investment in FAST recognizes Oregon's strength as a semiconductor state and the power of partners working together around a shared vision.

The University of Oregon is proud to be part of this statewide coalition and to contribute research, facilities and student training that will help build the talent and innovation capacity and ecosystem Oregon needs to compete and lead. ” — Karl Scholz, President, University of Oregon “Oregon’s position as a semiconductor leader was built through decades of sustained innovation and partnership.

The next generation of breakthroughs will require continued investment across the full technology ecosystem — from research and workforce development to manufacturing. Oregon State University’s leadership in convening industry, academic and government partners through FAST is helping strengthen that ecosystem and accelerate innovation at scale.

” — Pushkar Ranade, Chief Technology Officer, Intel “The NSF’s investment in FAST is a real vote of confidence in U.S. manufacturing, as well as our ability to continue to be the world leaders in innovation and invention in semiconductors.

” — Mara Howell, Oregon Factory Manager, Intel “FAST expands educational opportunities for all learners and teachers in Oregon by raising awareness of authentic problems and building and sustaining partnerships between members of the STEM educational ecosystem, including K-12 schools and industry leaders. Our youngest learners benefit from new programs that build their STEM identities and their capacity to problem solve.

Our middle school, high school and postsecondary students benefit from the development of STEM curricula aligned to skills, knowledge and dispositions needed to thrive in the future workforce. ” — Stephanie Salomone, Ph. D.

, Executive Director, Oregon STEM “Right now, we invest so much time, money and energy into educating our kids — only for other states and other communities to reap the benefits of that investment when our graduates move in search of more competitive job opportunities. FAST is a huge step in the right direction toward providing great jobs and opportunities for our kids to grow up, stay local and invest back into their hometowns.

” — Christopher McMorran, Mayor, City of Philomath “For decades, Oregon has been at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. The FAST coalition gives us the opportunity to build on that legacy by ensuring groundbreaking ideas become investment-ready companies that grow here in Oregon.

At the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, we know that when entrepreneurs have access to the right investors and partners, they create companies that strengthen our state, advance American innovation and enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. ” — Cara Turano, President and Executive Director, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Director of Strategic Investment, FAST “Oregon’s semiconductor ecosystem has the foundation to be a global leader.

We have a significant concentration of the United States’ semiconductor R&D talent, important operations of the world’s large semiconductor companies and a nascent crop of promising semiconductor startups. Our startup ecosystem needs the capacity to match their global ambitions, helping them to commercialize new technologies and scale. FAST is the right investment at the right time.

— Skip Newberry, President and CEO, Technology Association of Oregon, Co-Director of Strategic Partnerships, FAST “Tektronix is a world leader in building test and measurement equipment, and being part of FAST will allow us to enrich our instruments to meet the needs of the next-generation, AI-enabled semiconductor manufacturing process.

” — Keith Tinsley, Principal AI and Machine Learning Systems Engineer, Tektronix “Today, Oregon depends on roughly 2,000 additional engineering professionals per year from outside the state to support its semiconductor ecosystem. FAST will help enable us to close the gap, and in 10 years we expect Oregon schools will produce 4,000 semiconductor professionals per year. ” — José J.

García, Managing Director, Manufacturing Sustainability and Autonomous Enterprise, Global Operations and Technology, Analog Devices Inc. “The challenge to meet the talent needs of the semiconductor industry is huge, and no single sector is going to be able to solve that on their own.

Through FAST, we have been able to take a different approach than we have in the past to develop new partnerships, new programs and new models to create more pathways for semiconductor careers. And it takes everyone in the consortium to do that well. ” — Kyle Ritchey-Noll, Education and Workforce Policy Director, Oregon Business Council