SMU-led Texoma Hub Secures $29M for Chip Infrastructure
Federal funding targets new prototyping facilities and workforce training across 29 counties in North Texas and southern Oklahoma.
By John Ferrari ·
Southern Methodist University has secured nearly $29 million to expand semiconductor operations in the Texoma region. The funding addresses a gap in local infrastructure as the area attempts to retain more of the chip manufacturing process. The money will build new facilities and train workers to support the industry's growth.
The U.S. Department of Commerce provided nearly $24 million of the total package. An additional $4.8 million comes from other sources. The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub is one of 31 hubs the Commerce Department created in 2023. It is one of only four federally backed hubs focused specifically on semiconductors. The coalition covers 29 counties in North Texas and southern Oklahoma.
Of the federal share, $13 million will fund shared infrastructure and 'fablets.' These are smaller, less expensive prototyping facilities. They allow researchers and businesses to design, manufacture, package, and test chips without the cost of a full-scale fab. Another $6 million supports workforce education and training. The remaining $5 million helps entrepreneurs bring chip technology to market.
J.C. Chiao, an SMU professor of electrical and computer engineering, said the funding helps address critical industry needs. He co-formed the hub with SMU professors Jennifer Dworak and Scott Douglas. Chiao stated the hub will make the region more competitive in attracting investment while strengthening the domestic supply chain.
The initiative aims to move startups from prototype to commercial production. This involves improved access to funding, industry networks, and intellectual property. The hub also plans to use AI and digital twin technology for workforce training. Suku Nair, SMU's vice provost for research, said the region must address workforce gaps to meet current and future industry needs.
The coalition has grown rapidly since its formation. The number of partner organizations more than doubled from 41 to 95 over three years. Partners include Texas Instruments, GlobiTech, and Coherent. All three operate large semiconductor plants in the Sherman area. Texas Instruments also manufactures semiconductors in Richardson.
Texas Instruments developed the integrated circuit in 1958. The new funding adds to recent research wins for SMU. In September, the U.S. Department of Energy committed $19.3 million to the university's critical mineral mining project. That was the largest research funding for a single researcher in SMU history. Semiconductor production relies on these critical minerals.
SMU President Jay Hartzell said the federal investment shows what the university can accomplish by partnering with industry and regional groups. He noted the hub provides an opportunity to translate innovation into economic growth. The funding also aims to develop the next generation of talent for a critical U.S. industry.
