NIST CHIPS Incentives Program

Status:  Open (revolving basis) – AEDC Round 1 – March 2024

This program is currently open for submissions. SURGE is working with the State of Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to collect eligible applicants for a consortium application to be submitted in Spring 2024.

Description: As part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, the US Department of Commerce is overseeing $50 billion to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry, including $39 billion in semiconductor incentives. The first funding opportunity seeks applications for projects to construct, expand, or modernize commercial facilities for the production of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. This includes both front-end wafer fabrication (thin film) and back-end packaging (and test). Companies must propose a well-documented construction, expansion, or modernization project, which may include a building, or expansion of a process/line with an existing facility.  The NIST funding will be for no more than 35% of the project, and incentives can be in the form of grants, loan guarantees or a combination of both.

Who can apply: Businesses directly involved in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and located in Arkansas, including electronic packaging/assembly/test (‘back end manufacturing’) as well as thin-film semiconductors (‘mature processes’).  This application is not for companies that only design electronics.

This application can include those that manufacture semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment, but only if the project exceeds $300M (at this time – expected to be expanded in Fall 2023).

How to apply: Applicants are highly encouraged to apply through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, coordinated by SURGE.  Note: Applicants can apply directly to NIST, but must secure all support independently.