Building the Future: Advancing Indiana's Semiconductor Ecosystem

Session Description

Explore how Indiana can become a leader in semiconductor innovation. This conversation features Purdue University on research and talent development, and Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) on fostering local collaboration and infrastructure. Together, they’ll discuss strategies for a thriving semiconductor ecosystem in the state.

Session Recap

This session dove deep into Indiana's pivotal role in the resurgence of the American semiconductor industry, highlighting its historical ties, strategic investments, and the critical contributions of Purdue University. Featuring insights from Dr. Arvin Dramman, President and CEO of Purdue Research Foundation and Dean of the College of Engineering at Purdue University, and Chad Pitman, the discussion underscored Indiana's rapid emergence as a global leader in this vital sector. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the forces driving this growth, from groundbreaking historical inventions to cutting-edge current technologies and future opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Session Outline:

• Historical Foundations of Semiconductor Innovation: The session began by tracing Indiana's deep roots in semiconductor technology, noting that fundamental work leading to the invention of the transistor and the first MOSFET was done at Purdue University, positioning current growth as a return to its origins.
• Strategic National Positioning: Discussion on how Indiana and Ohio are the only net new regions in the country where significant CHIPS Act incentive funds have been placed, making the Midwest a key emerging hub.
• Transformative Industry Investments: An overview of major companies, including IMEC, TSMC, MediaTek, Microsoft, and SK Hynix, establishing significant presences and investments in Indiana.
• Focus on Cutting-Edge Technology: Detailed explanation of the advanced technology being brought to Indiana, particularly by SK Hynix, focusing on advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory crucial for AI chips, thus integrating Indiana into the national semiconductor supply chain.
• Purdue University's Unmatched Contributions: A look at Purdue's strengths, including being the largest producer of engineering and STEM talent in the country, its deep bench of semiconductor research expertise, the nation's largest university semiconductor research facility (the Birck Nanotechnology Center), and its pioneering comprehensive semiconductor degrees program.
• Opportunities for Ecosystem Growth: Identification of fertile ground for new startup companies beyond traditional chip design, including new materials, processes, digital twins, and the application of AI to improve semiconductor design and manufacturing.
• Call to Action for Innovators: Encouragement for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to engage with and establish roots within Indiana's burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem.

Notable Quotes:

• "This industry is coming back to where it all started here in Indiana".
• "The only net new regions in the country where new semiconductor incentives funds have been placed are here in the Midwest, Indiana and Ohio. And we're going faster in Indiana, aren't we?".
• "This is not a bubble. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come to Indiana to be a part of something entirely new that hasn't existed for 80 years. How many times are we going to have the chance to do this?".

Key Takeaways:

1. Indiana's Legacy Rekindled: Indiana is not just joining the semiconductor industry; it's reclaiming its historical leadership. The foundational work for the transistor and MOSFET at Purdue University eighty years ago laid the groundwork for today's resurgence, making this growth a significant return to origin.
2. A National Strategic Imperative: Under the CHIPS Act, Indiana and Ohio are unique as the only net new regions attracting major semiconductor investments, positioning the Midwest as a crucial hub for national supply chain resilience and technological advancement.
3. Focus on Advanced Technology: Investments from companies like SK Hynix are bringing cutting-edge technologies such as advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory essential for AI chips. This ensures Indiana is involved in the most critical and future-forward aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, not just legacy production.
4. Purdue University: The Talent and Innovation Engine: Purdue is central to this ecosystem, boasting the nation's largest university semiconductor research facility, the Birck Nanotechnology Center, and producing the most bachelor's degrees in engineering and overall STEM talent in the country. Its proactive semiconductor workforce development programs are creating a pipeline of skilled professionals, including teenagers designing chips.
5. Ripe for Startup Innovation: Beyond traditional chip design, the Indiana ecosystem, particularly around Purdue, presents a fertile ground for startups in areas like new materials, advanced processes, digital twins, and the application of AI to enhance semiconductor design and manufacturing cycles.

Resources Mentioned:

• Birck Nanotechnology Center: Purdue University's expansive semiconductor research facility.
• CHIPS Act: Federal legislation driving significant investments in the U.S. semiconductor industry.
• Purdue Research Foundation (PRF): The entity responsible for managing Purdue University's intellectual property assets.
• Techpoint: An organization mentioned in the context of promoting AI literacy.

Action Items:

• Entrepreneurs and investors are strongly encouraged to plug into this burgeoning ecosystem and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Visit Purdue: Attendees and interested parties are invited to "come to our mixers, come to visit us and meet the other innovators" at Purdue University.
• Establish Roots: The most successful innovators are those who "establish roots" by moving to the area and working closely with academics and students driving research.
• Spread the Word: Help share the exciting news about this "incredible new frontier" that is opening up in the heart of Indiana.