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JVIC invests in semiconductor projects

The JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node makes its first grant awards.

To strengthen the semiconductor industry in the state, Missouri Technology Corporation’s Advanced Manufacturing Resiliency Grant Program awarded $5.4 million to the Jordan Valley Innovation Center this March to launch its Advanced Manufacturing Node grant program.

Today, the JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node at Missouri State University announced that it will invest in seven projects totaling $5.2 million. 

Selected projects

“The Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) Advanced Manufacturing Node is pleased to support projects and technologies to benefit the semiconductor industry in Missouri,” said Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development and director of JVIC.

“These projects are the first phase of making investments to leverage the Missouri NextFlex Node at JVIC and support private sector projects that will strengthen the state’s manufacturing capabilities and advancing semiconductor technologies.”

The following projects have been awarded up to $750,000 each.

  • Brewer Science – Material and Process Development for 2D Material Transfer – Rolla
  • Brewer Science – Electronic Materials for Multilayer Fabrication in Semiconductor Packaging – Springfield
  • GVD Corporation – SACVD Wafer Level Semiconductor Manufacturing
  • MEMC – Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) Advanced Wafer Inspection Equipment
  • SI2 Technologies – Conformally Printed Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) Manufacturing of Integrated Semiconductor Components
  • Watlow – Watlow Materials Science Center of Excellence – St. Louis
  • Watlow – Watlow Polyimide and Precision Bond System – Columbia

The grant program provides funding to organizations that create infrastructure for industries that are fundamental to the national security of the United States.  The projects were selected based on  recommendation from a technical review committee and approval by Springfield Innovation, Inc.

Enhancing the industry

The projects selected are a combination of adding new production capabilities, increasing manufacturing capacity, and conducting new technology development that will support and enhance the semiconduction industry in Missouri.

Karla Chaney, MEMC Site Manager, said that the grant will enhance MEMC’s capacity by “supporting the 300mm Silicon-On-Insulator wafer manufacturing facility with leading edge inspection equipment.” The St. Peters site has manufactured silicon wafers since 1959.

“MEMC is continuing its long legacy of advanced semiconductor wafer technology development and manufacturing in Missouri,” Chaney added.

Brewer Science, who has been a longstanding corporate partner with JVIC, highlighted the significance of the grant for the talent and economic development of the state.

“The JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node funding will not only support the development of critical materials in Missouri for the advancement of semiconductors, but will also train and develop a local workforce in Missouri and strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain,” said Dr. Andrea Chacko, R&D Program Manager, Packaging Solutions, Brewer Science.

For Watlow, the grant funding is instrumental to development at both their Columbia and St. Louis locations.

“The grant funding will help support our ceramics strategy and enable our technology roadmaps of polyimide and precision bonding manufacturing,” said Janet Trimble, Tax Director, Watlow. “The grant and investments will support a high technology industry and strengthen our advanced manufacturing footprint in Missouri.”

About JVIC

JVIC is a unique innovation center model focused on partnering with businesses to create and advance new technologies. JVIC, with private sector partners, is a leading force in technology development focused on research and development in nanotechnology, materials and other advanced technologies, including semiconductor packaging and flexible electronics.

The JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node supports and strengthens companies in the semiconductor industry and allows Missouri companies to collaborate with other U.S. companies to bring new technologies and jobs to the state.  JVIC seeks to attract new semiconductor technology companies to Missouri and promote significant economic growth.

About Missouri State University

Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Our purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

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