Governor Greg Abbott has announced a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $1.98 million to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). The funding will support a workforce development initiative aimed at advancing 3D Heterogeneous Integration (3DHI) microelectronics through a training program at the university’s campus in Prairie View.
“Texas is investing in the workforce of tomorrow today,” said Governor Abbott. “Prairie View A&M University, the second-oldest public higher education institution in Texas, has built an unparalleled reputation for empowering scholars. This specialized workforce training program will further Texas’ leadership in cutting-edge microelectronics, enhance national security by strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and expand the path to better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities for Texans for years to come.”
The initiative will focus on educating students in 3DHI technologies, which allow separately manufactured components—such as chips or wafers with different semiconductors and materials—to be stacked within a single package. This technology offers significant improvements in functionality and performance.
The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at PVAMU, recognized as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), is leading this initiative in partnership with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and the Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) program. The effort includes specialized training in 3DHI process capabilities, Electronic Design Automation (EDA), digital twins, and 3DHI microsystems.
“I want to thank Governor Abbott for investing in Texas’ semiconductor workforce and providing a strong vision to maintain our state’s dominance in this critical sector,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “Prairie View A&M University is preparing students for the most complex and in-demand jobs in the industry. This grant is an investment not only in Texas’ economic future, but also in the men and women whose skills will keep our state at the forefront of innovation for decades to come.”
Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst added: “Texas is a global leader in developing innovative technology, and Prairie View A&M is at the forefront of that effort. This important fund will help Prairie View A&M continue to create a highly educated workforce that is building a bridge to the future.”
In 2023, Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law to establish TSIF as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs are managed by the Texas CHIPS Office within the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. They aim to strengthen semiconductor research, design, manufacturing capacity at higher education institutions across Texas, encourage expansion of semiconductor-related companies within the state, and maintain Texas’ leadership position nationally.
According to information from the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels across Texas. The office operates from its main location at Austin’s State Insurance Building and forms part of the executive branch of state government. Since his election in 2014, Greg Abbott has led initiatives focused on job creation, economic opportunity expansion, educational enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment regarding schooling choices, as well as southern border security.
