GlobalFoundries (GF) has teamed up with Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) on a program to collaborate on semiconductor research, education, talent, and workforce development, a move that comes as the chip industry may face a worsening shortage of engineers as the decade plays out.

The partners said they plan to work together on “proposals for support from the U.S. government through the CHIPS and Science Act funding,” although they did not provide a timetable for these proposals. GlobalFoundries struck a similar agreement late last year with Purdue University.

After the CHIPS Act was approved last year, the Semiconductor Industry Association and Boston Consulting Group issued a report on the challenges the industry is set to face from a talent perspective as it looks to leverage government funding for growth and expansion initiatives. Specifically, the report noted that the semiconductor sector could face a shortage of around 23,000 design workers by 2030.

GF is among the companies looking to build and expand fabs in the coming years as part of a much bigger worldwide drive to increase manufacturing capacity–which in turn requires the companies building out this capacity to double-down on workforce development efforts.

GF Labs will oversee GlobalFoundries’ involvement in the partnership, under which the company and Georgia Tech plan to expand research and development opportunities on GF semiconductor technology, curriculum development, training programs, internships, and joint faculty/engineering exchanges. Additionally, the agreement calls for Georgia Tech and GF to partner on outreach to inspire interest in semiconductors and highlight career opportunities in microelectronics. GF and Georgia Tech will also explore programs to enhance diversity and inclusion within the semiconductor workforce, according to a GF statement.

“At GF, we recognize the tremendous potential of semiconductors to drive innovation, and ultimately enable the inventions and technologies that create meaningful societal change,” said Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer of GF. “By partnering with top-tier universities like Georgia Tech on research and development, we can tap into a deep pool of academic talent and technical expertise and bring new ideas and insights to the forefront of our work. Through this collaboration, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in feature-rich semiconductor technology, as well as inspire students to pursue a career in the exciting field of chip design and manufacturing.”

Chaouki Abdallah, executive vice president for Research at Georgia Tech, added, “Semiconductor research is a top priority for Georgia Tech and the nation, as we develop innovative solutions that improve manufacturing and support our national and state economies. Deepening our partnership with GlobalFoundries allows us to leverage our complementary technology and talent resources to benefit this vital industry, and to improve the human condition.”

By: DocMemory
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