Semiconductors
The U.S. semiconductor industry is vital to our national security and the economy of Oregon. Our location within the Silicon Forest gives us access to the most comprehensive ecosystem of semiconductor companies in the U.S.
Oregon State faculty are integral to a national network that includes several consortiums of industry, academic and government organizations aiming to revolutionize the semiconductor industry by supporting emerging technologies like AI-assisted design.
OSU, a top research institution the fifth largest engineering college in the nation, has the talent and facilities to advance semiconductor research and education. With strong partnerships across industry and government, OSU is expanding its infrastructure and talent pipeline to meet regional and national needs.
ranking r1
highest classification
for research universities in the US
Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
More than 40 faculty — including members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors, along with several NSF CAREER awardees — bring expertise that spans numerous areas related to microelectronics. Collaborative research includes AI-enabled design, circuit design, integrated electronics, materials and devices, process technology, packaging and heterogeneous integration and thermal management.
A critical challenge for Oregon’s semiconductor industry is having enough people trained for semiconductor careers. Estimates are the state’s semiconductor workforce will grow by 24%, creating about 6,300 new jobs over the next five to 10 years.
OSU offers a range of semiconductor-related degrees for undergraduate and graduate students as well as workforce upskilling programs, including online degrees, certificates and microcredentials. Students have opportunities for hands-on experiences through internships and research.
Students, veterans and working professionals can build industry-ready skills through earn-and-learn pathways, experiential coursework, internships and research opportunities.
Materials scientist May Nyman and doctoral student Esther Julius are designing molecules that could help shrink microchips.
Through education and workforce training, industry partnerships and research innovations, Oregon State University helps keep the Silicon Forest a vibrant contributor to the state’s economy.
Programs like VETS-UP are just one of several ways the university is actively working to fill gaps in the workforce and connect its students to employment opportunities.
Learn about emerging semiconductor research, education and collaborative initiatives with industry partners. Discover opportunities to innovate semiconductor solutions that shape the future of technology while strengthening the region’s economy.
Industry partners collaborate with Oregon State on joint research projects, participate in industry-focused events, provide leadership, donate equipment and services and recruit students for internships and entry-level engineering jobs. Decades-long partnerships with companies include Analog Devices, Intel, HP, TSMC, Lam Research, Micron Technology, NVIDIA, Siemens and Microchip Technology.
Oregon State's advanced facilities include a shared integrated electronics lab, a cleanroom and the industry-connected ATAMI prototyping facility. In 2026, the Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex will bring spaces for interdisciplinary research and one of the most powerful supercomputers in the nation.
