Oregon Business Council (OBC) brings together business leaders to shape policies that strengthen Oregon’s economy, grow opportunity, and improve quality of life across the state. Oregon has long been a hub for semiconductor innovation. Through years of investment, collaboration, and leadership, our state has developed one of the most concentrated semiconductor workforces in the world. Despite having just over one percent of the U.S. population, Oregon is home to 15% of the nation’s semiconductor workforce, which is a remarkable achievement that underscores the strength of our ecosystem. But that success comes with new challenges. Semiconductor companies here estimate more than 2,500 new openings each year, while our colleges and universities produce roughly 2,000 graduates in related fields annually. Of those, only about 400 enter the industry within five years. That gap, between potential and participation, is why OBC became a core partner in the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) Regional Innovation Engine. The FAST initiative represents a new model for how Oregon develops and sustains talent. It’s built on the belief that when industry, education, and community partners align around shared goals, they can create lasting systems change. FAST and the Oregon Semiconductor Talent Consortium bring together more than 95 semiconductor companies, K–12 and higher education partners, workforce leaders and community organizations. Together, we’re designing programs that:

1. Grow an AI-ready semiconductor workforce
2. Expand access to semiconductor education and training programs
3. Strengthen the quality and industry relevance of our workforce training

This collaboration is already producing results. Collectively, our efforts have attracted over $32 million in state investment, including a recent investment of $10 million from Governor Tina Kotek to accelerate semiconductor talent initiatives. Included in that investment is $1.5 million for AI education in partnership with Nvidia. In September, we celebrated our first major milestone: the launch of Oregon Semiconductor Central (Semi Central), a new online hub designed to raise awareness about semiconductor careers, connect students with education and training programs and link employers to local talent. We believe the success of Oregon’s semiconductor industry relies on building and attracting a world-class workforce. Semi Central is the tool that helps us do just that by making the industry visible, accessible and connected. Beyond Semi Central, FAST partners are already piloting innovative programs like OSU Chip Camp for first-year engineering students, Vets Chip Camp for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, and a MESA pilot with the Warm Springs Tribe that introduces middle and high school students to semiconductor pathways. And lastly, a Pathways Pilot, a program linking three community colleges and three universities, to develop stackable credentials that make it easier for Oregonians to move between learning and work. FAST is now one of just 15 finalists in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. If selected, FAST will be eligible to receive up to $160 million to advance and expand workforce development, research, and economic development programs. That investment could help Oregon accelerate AI-driven chip design, expand high-paying jobs across the Cascades-Willamette Innovation Corridor and build a diverse, resilient workforce that keeps our region globally competitive. Oregon has the talent, the partnerships, and the vision. FAST is how we turn that potential into sustained prosperity for our industry, our communities, and our future.