NSF fast engine in oregon

The National Science Foundation awarded Oregon State University $7.5 million under a Cooperative Agreement on August 1, 2026, through the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program to advance AI-enabled semiconductor manufacturing and workforce development in Oregon's Silicon Forest region.

Oregon State University will lead the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) Engine, an industry-guided initiative spanning 12 counties across Oregon that convenes more than 98 partners including semiconductor manufacturers, K–12 and postsecondary education institutions, workforce development organizations, communities, and policymakers. The project focuses on three core deliverables: increasing the number of AI-ready semiconductor workforce credential holders across regional education programs; engaging with semiconductor industry partners on use-inspired research; and developing a thriving AI-enabled semiconductor supply chain based on commercialized research outputs. The initiative will leverage AI to improve quality, performance, and affordability of advanced logic chips, capitalizing on Oregon's status as the only region in the U.S. where advanced logic chips are both designed and manufactured at scale and representing roughly 15 percent of the U.S. semiconductor workforce.

The award runs through July 31, 2036, with place of performance in Corvallis, Oregon. The program supports NSF's statutory mission to advance science and engineering research and innovation addressing national and geostrategic challenges, positioning U.S. semiconductor leadership and economic resilience.

Abstract

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. Oregon?s silicon forest is home to the nation?s 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. Fast?s industry-guided?and?AI-enabled automatic process control concept will leverage AI to improve?the quality, performance, and affordability of advanced semiconductors.?the region?s?unique end-to-end?industry?capabilities make oregon the?natural place to reshore?design and?manufacturing of?the world?s most?advanced logic chips.??fast and statewide partners have formed deep, sustained cross-sector partnerships?to 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 on?use-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.- subawards are planned for this award.