The future of semiconductors
starts in Oregon
What is the NSF FAST Engine?
One of 12 U.S National Science Foundation
REGIONAL INNOVATION ENGINES PROGRAM awardees.
A bold initiative
TO CATALYZE SEMICONDUCTOR INNOVATION AND MANUFACTURING and promote economic growth in Oregon.
FAST unites nearly 100 partners
SPANNING INDUSTRY, HIGHER EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFITS to create a cohesive, high-impact semiconductor ecosystem across the state.
Why FAST Matters
The NSF’s investment in FAST is a real vote of confidence in US manufacturing, as well as our ability to continue to be the world leaders in innovation and invention in semiconductors.”
—Mara Howell
Oregon Factory Manager, Intel
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
Research 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.
The power of the people
FAST is more than an organization. It is hundreds of people who have come together with a common goal of building on Oregon’s strength in semiconductors. Learn more about the the semiconductor ecosystem in Oregon.
Workforce Development
By uniting partners from K–12 schools, community colleges, universities, workforce organizations, and employers, FAST is establishing straightforward and scalable pathways to well-paying jobs in semiconductors.
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 fifth 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.
About NSF Regional Innovation Engines
Launched by NSF TIP, the NSF Engines program is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.