The future of semiconductors
starts in Oregon
What is FAST?
Part of the National Science Foundation
REGIONAL INNOVATION ENGINES PROGRAM and a finalist for federal investment.
A bold initiative
TO CATALYZE SEMICONDUCTOR INNOVATION AND MANUFACTURING and promote economic growth in Oregon.
FAST unites 95 partners
SPANNING INDUSTRY, HIGHER EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFITS to create a cohesive, high-impact semiconductor ecosystem across the state.
Why FAST Matters
The FAST engine will protect and advance the global market shares of U.S. semiconductor companies, promote national and economic security, and generate prosperity in the region.”
—Sam Johnson
VP, Intel Foundry
Invest
in U.S. semiconductor leadership to strengthen national security
Generate
high-wage, future-ready jobs across Oregon
Cultivate
a workforce that has industry driven skills and is available to all Oregonians
Strengthen
Oregon’s long-term capacity for innovation
Lead
the way for AI transformation in the semiconductor industry
FAST’s Strategic Goals
Technology Innovation
Economic Growth
Workforce Development
Regional Coordination
Why Oregon?
We have vacant industrial land, a workforce ripe for upskilling, and a community with a spirit of learning and innovation that is hungry for the next chapter after recent declines in our timber industry base—we just need the Engine to get us there.”
—Mayor Chris McMorran,
Philomath
Nearly 30,000
OREGONIANS WORK IN SEMICONDUCTORS TODAY
Oregon’s $21B Chip Sector
IS AMONG THE MOST ADVANCED IN THE U.S. and the only advanced logic chips design to fabrication capability on U.S. soil.
12 Counties
MAKE UP THE CASCADES WILLAMETTE INNOVATION CORRIDOR—including underserved rural areas with high growth potential. Keeping manufacturing and semiconductor innovation domestic ensures U.S. security, control over technology, and economic resilience.
Keys to Success
Universities and community colleges across Oregon including two R1 universities.
Semiconductor industry leaders in manufacturing, software, metrology and inspection tools, test equipment, and fabless design including Intel, HP, Siemens, Teradyne, and NVIDIA.
A new advanced process control system (AI-APC) that draws metrology, inspection, and test data from throughout the wafer fab into a closed-loop feedback system that models and controls the entire manufacturing process.
Partner organizations including local and state government agencies, community-based organizations, and venture capital groups that are committed to developing a strong semiconductor workforce.
Activities
Initiated in 2023, FAST members have been meeting regularly to collaboratively develop and execute plans to address the workforce shortage, connect research with industry needs, support start-up companies, and promote understanding and interest in the semiconductor industry.
Partners
Oregon State University, the lead institution, has the largest College of Engineering in the Pacific Northwest, and the seventh largest in the U.S. The academic partners include five community colleges and three universities. FAST includes 17 industry partners including Fortune 500 companies such as Intel, HP, and NVIDIA. Our partners include 18 government agencies and economic development agencies, 19 nonprofit or philanthropy organizations, and six venture capital funds.