SMU-led Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub to receive $29 million to advance semiconductor innovation
Investment includes $24 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand semiconductor infrastructure, workforce development and commercialization across North Texas and southern Oklahoma.
The SMU-led Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub will receive nearly $29 million, including $24 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, to develop innovation infrastructure, build a workforce pipeline and accelerate technology commercialization to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of significant research investments at SMU, coming just one month after the U.S. Department of Energy committed $19.3 million to an SMU-led critical minerals research project. That award represented the largest research funding commitment to an individual researcher in University history.
The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub, announced in October 2023 with SMU designated as the lead institution, brings together public, private, and academic partners across 29 counties in North Texas and southern Oklahoma to advance semiconductor innovation, regional collaboration, economic growth, and workforce development.
Deputy Commerce Secretary Paul M. Dabbar speaks at the event. The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub aims to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain.
“President Trump’s leadership is driving companies to invest in American manufacturing. Today’s nearly $24 million in federal funding will advance the production and development of critical technologies and the workforce building them. With $100 million in private investment behind it, Texoma will expand American semiconductor manufacturing,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The federal funding, supplemented by $4.8 million from additional sources, will support three interconnected initiatives:
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$13 million to develop shared semiconductor infrastructure and create specialized prototyping facilities
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$6 million to expand workforce education and training
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$5 million to support entrepreneurs and businesses to bring emerging technologies to market
"This investment is a powerful example of what SMU can accomplish by bringing together research, industry, and regional partners to address challenges of national importance," President Jay Hartzell said. "Our location in Dallas gives us a tremendous advantage in connecting academic expertise with a thriving business community. Through the Texoma Tech Hub, we have an opportunity to translate innovation into economic growth, attract and develop the next generation of talent, and strengthen a critical U.S. industry."
Building FabletsTM, developing talent and accelerating commercialization
Since receiving its federal Tech Hub designation in 2023, the SMU-led consortium has expanded from 41 to 95 organizations. Over the past three years, members representing industry, higher education, workforce development, economic development, and local governments have worked together to identify regional needs and develop coordinated strategies to address them. The new investment will help move those plans into action.
“The significant investments we're seeing in SMU's research enterprise reflect our ability to bring together expertise and partnerships to address complex challenges,” said Rachel Mersey, Executive Vice President and Provost. “Through the Texoma Tech Hub, we're building on that momentum by creating the infrastructure and shared resources needed to move promising technologies from concept to real-world impact.”
SMU President Jay Hartzell and Deputy Commerce Secretary Paul M. Dabbar talk at the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub announcement on the SMU campus.
The Tech Hub will develop specialized prototyping facilities known as FabletsTM, providing researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses with shared and modular access to equipment for electronic design, semiconductor manufacturing, packaging and testing. FabletsTM will offer more accessible, lower-cost environments for developing and testing emerging technologies without requiring expensive cleanrooms.
The initiative will also help regional startups move from prototype development to commercial production by expanding access to funding, industry networks, intellectual property and shared resources. It will also strengthen the region’s talent pipeline through workforce training and upskilling programs that use artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies to prepare workers for emerging industry needs, including advanced semiconductor packaging and photonics.
“We recognize and congratulate the entire Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub Consortium membership on this significant achievement and their collaborative leadership in advancing regional economic development, semiconductor innovation, and long-term economic prosperity for the region,” said Suku Nair, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer.