Reclaiming U.S. Semiconductor Leadership: Sandia National laboratories joins the Charge
For decades, the United States was the undisputed global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Though, a concerning trend has emerged: in the 1990s, the U.S. fabricated over 35% of the world’s semiconductors. Today, that share has plummeted to just 12%, and critically, the U.S. currently produces none of the moast advanced chips powering the technologies defining our future – smartphones (used by 71% of the global population), self-driving vehicles, quantum computing, and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. This erosion of domestic capability poses significant economic and national security risks.
Now, a concerted effort is underway to reverse this decline, and Sandia national Laboratories is stepping into a pivotal role. Recently, Sandia became the first national laboratory to join the U.S. National Semiconductor Technology Centre (NSTC), a cornerstone initiative established under the CHIPS and Science Act. This landmark legislation aims to revitalize American semiconductor innovation and address critical technological vulnerabilities.
A Collaborative Approach to Rebuilding Capacity
Sandia’s participation isn’t simply symbolic. It represents a strategic alignment of national resources, private sector expertise, and academic research.”The CHIPS Act has brought the band back together, you could say,” explains Mary Monson, Sandia’s Senior Manager of Technology Partnerships and Business Advancement. “By including the national labs, U.S. companies,and academia,it’s really a force multiplier.” This collaborative ecosystem is designed to accelerate innovation and overcome the fragmented approach that contributed to the U.S.’s loss of market share.
Sandia brings to the table a rich history of contributions to the semiconductor industry, built upon decades of research and development partnerships. Its Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications (MESA) facility, coupled with its state-of-the-art cleanrooms, provides a unique environment for developing and refining next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Addressing Critical needs: From National Security to Supply Chain Resilience
The urgency of this undertaking is underscored by recent events. The global chip shortage during the pandemic brought supply chain vulnerabilities into sharp focus, halting automotive production and impacting numerous other industries. An average car requires approximately 1,400 chips, while electric vehicles demand over 3,000. This dependence on foreign manufacturing is unacceptable from a national security and economic stability viewpoint.
“Other nations around the globe are investing more than $300 billion to be leaders in semiconductor manufacturing,” notes Rick McCormick, Sandia’s Senior Scientist for Semiconductor Technology Strategy, who is leading Sandia’s involvement in the NSTC. ”The U.S. CHIPS Act is our way of ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ One goal is for the U.S. to have more than 25% of the global capacity for state-of-the-art chips by 2032.”
Sandia’s contributions will be multifaceted,focusing on:
Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing: Sandia will work to enhance domestic semiconductor manufacturing and R&D capabilities,bolstering national security production and fostering innovation.
Advanced Packaging & Chiplet Technology: A significant portion of the $12 billion in R&D funding allocated under the CHIPS Act – specifically a $3 billion program - is dedicated to developing an ecosystem for “chiplets.” These smaller, specialized chips can be assembled to create powerful processors at a lower cost and with increased flexibility. Sandia’s MESA facility already fabricates high-reliability chiplet assemblies for critical applications like stockpile stewardship and nonproliferation, positioning it as a leader in this emerging field.
Workforce Development: Perhaps the most significant long-term challenge is the looming shortage of skilled semiconductor professionals. The Semiconductor Industry Association estimates the U.S. will need 60,000 to 70,000 additional workers. Sandia is committed to helping address this gap by engaging STEM students and bolstering its own staffing pipeline.
Technology Transfer & Collaboration: Sandia will offer access to its facilities and expertise to NSTC members, fostering collaboration and accelerating the transfer of technology from the lab to the private sector.
Sandia: A National Resource for Semiconductor Expertise
Sandia’s role extends beyond simply contributing to manufacturing capacity. The laboratory is positioned to become a central hub for semiconductor knowledge and innovation. “We are a government resource for semiconductor knowledge,” emphasizes Monson. “We are in this evolving landscape and have a front row seat to what it will look like over the next 20 years. We are helping support technology and strengthening our national security capabilities and mission delivery.”
By fostering partnerships, expediting research, and developing a skilled workforce, Sandia National Laboratories is playing a critical role in reclaiming U.S
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