SEMICON West, which has been a fixture in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 50 years, will relocate to Phoenix for a five-year annual cycle beginning in 2025 and switch from its customary July event dates to October beginning in 2024, according to a statement released today by SEMI. The leading microelectronics exposition and conference in North America will return to Arizona in 2027 and 2029, taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center each time.
“We’re proud to welcome SEMICON West to Arizona!” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona has become a global leader in chip manufacturing and innovation, with rapid growth across our entire semiconductor ecosystem. We look forward to joining with local partners and SEMICON West to welcome industry leaders from around the globe and showcase why Arizona has become the world’s leading destination for new chip investments.”
“The recent expansion of the semiconductor industry in Phoenix has been transformative,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We are already benefiting from new jobs, new suppliers, new housing, new educational opportunities, and new businesses that are excited to relocate here. SEMICON West’s presence will underscore and amplify Phoenix’s commitment to attracting and growing our advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries.” Mayor Gallego also thanked the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Visit Phoenix, and city staff for the collaborative efforts to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix.
-Says The Arizona Commerce Authority
In order to strengthen its position as a competitive state, Arizona stated in November that it will invest $100 million in the research and development of the semiconductor industry. And in December, TSMC revealed plans to invest a further $40 billion in its Phoenix fabrication facilities, which are anticipated to generate 13,000 high-tech jobs and enable the production of cutting-edge 3-nanometer chips at the new facility by 2026. The Phoenix location has two fabs with room for four more.
And to talk about local talent, The largest engineering program in the US is at Arizona State University, which has more than 30,000 students, 7,000 of whom are studying areas relevant to microelectronics. To bring even more technicians online, the Maricopa Community Colleges have also made considerable expenditures in quick-start programs.
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