Kelly, Arizona Leaders Celebrate Arizona Selection to Host National Semiconductor Technology Center Prototyping and Advanced Packaging R&D Facility, Cementing State’s Leadership in Advanced Microchip Innovation

Thanks to Kelly’s Chips and Science Act, Arizona State University’s Research Park in Tempe will house state-of-the-art facility to test out prototype chips at scale; only one other facility in the world outside of China can do this

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and state leaders announced that Arizona has been selected as the site for the co-located National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Prototyping and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility, which was established through the Kelly-negotiated CHIPS and Science Act. This project—to be housed at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Research Park in Tempe—will serve as a global center for excellence for next-generation microchip research and development, solidifying Arizona’s position as a global leader in advanced chip manufacturing and innovation.  

This first-of-its-kind facility in the United States, which will be operational in 2028, will provide researchers and industry leaders from across the United States and around the world with the tools and resources needed to test new materials, devices, and advanced packaging solutions. Additionally, thanks to Kelly’s Building Chips in America Act, which became law in October, the facility will be exempt from burdensome federal reviews.  

This announcement follows a competitive, nation-wide selection process aimed at identifying the state best suited to house the facility. Kelly and the Arizona congressional delegation championed the proposal led by the Arizona Commerce Authority and ASU. 

“This groundbreaking effort will mean that researchers and startups won’t need to go to China or Europe to test out their cutting-edge prototype microchips—they’ll be able to do that right here in America. Creating this world-class prototyping and packaging facility was a priority of mine when negotiating the Chips and Science Act. The United States must lead the way in semiconductor research and development, and there’s nowhere more appropriate for it than Arizona,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “The most advanced microchips in the world that power everything from AI to quantum computing will now be able to be developed, tested, manufactured, and packaged in our state. I’m grateful for Arizona State University’s commitment to being at the forefront of microchip innovation, and to the years of partnership between Arizona’s elected leaders—Republicans and Democrats—our business community, and our economic development leaders to make this happen.” 

“Arizona continues to prove its role as not just a nationwide leader, but a global leader, in semiconductor research and development,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “With this announcement, our state will serve as a driver of innovation for the semiconductor ecosystem in the country while creating thousands of high-paying jobs for hardworking Arizonans. Today’s announcement is why I fought in Congress to get the Chips Act into law. Thank you to Arizona State University, our business leaders, and multiple administrations across the years for making this bipartisan achievement possible.”

“Today’s announcement solidifies Arizona’s position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “This flagship facility will serve as an anchor for Arizona’s thriving semiconductor ecosystem while supporting R&D and supply chain resiliency nationwide. This investment ensures the next generation of this critical, leading-edge technology is developed here in Arizona, while we support the workforce and jobs of the future. I’m grateful to Secretary Raimondo and the Commerce Department and our Arizona Congressional delegation for their support. I also want to recognize the hard work of the Arizona Commerce Authority, ASU, and all their partners to win this national laboratory for our state.”

“Future-defining advancements in technology like AI wouldn’t be possible without advanced packaging. It’s a national security imperative that the U.S. out-innovate our global competitors,” said Representative Greg Stanton. “Thanks to our CHIPS Act, this new Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility at ASU will help develop the next-generation technology America needs to compete and win on the world stage–and train the future of the semiconductor workforce here at home.”

“With this selection Arizona will remain a leader in the nation in developing next generation technology,” said Representative Raul Grijalva. “It is my hope that with this critical investment we can demonstrate the ability to improve efficiency, streamline production, and reduce power consumption within semiconductor development.”

“I am excited to see that Arizona was selected to host a major facility for advanced semiconductor chips packaging,” said Maricopa County Supervisor and former Representative Debbie Lesko. “This significant decision from the federal government proves yet again that our state has one of the most business-friendly environments in the nation. I look forward to seeing the economic benefits for Arizona when this facility opens, and I am grateful to have been a part of this bipartisan effort to bring another CHIPS R&D operation to the Grand Canyon State.” 

“Phoenix is proud to be home to the nation’s largest-ever foreign direct investment, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, which has sparked a wave of projects that are strengthening our local economy, driving innovation, and transforming lives across the region. The NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility coming to the Valley is proof that our growing semiconductor ecosystem is positioning us as leaders not just in the U.S., but globally—from manufacturing to packaging,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We are thankful for our ongoing partnership with ASU, which in addition to housing this new facility, is helping us build a pipeline of talent that will bolster this industry for decades to come. We look forward to continuing our work alongside academia, business partners, and strong Arizona leaders such as Senator Kelly to ensure the project is a huge success.”

“Tempe and Arizona continue to be at the center of groundbreaking research and development, leading the way in next-generation technology,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “We are proud to be the home of this new flagship facility that will serve as a hub for semiconductor innovation nationwide. We thank our partners at ACA and ASU, which have developed a world-class research ecosystem right in our backyard to serve our community and beyond.”

“Today’s announcement builds upon the CHIPS for America vision by leveraging the Valley’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and expanding innovation in the areas of semiconductor research and development,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Our region offers the infrastructure, resources and talent for companies contributing to America’s strength and leadership in this vital industry.”

“The selection of Arizona as the home for the NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility is a testament to our state’s importance in semiconductor innovation and advanced technology,” said Peoria Mayor Jason Beck. “Peoria is proud to play a vital role in this ecosystem through our partnership with Amkor on their forthcoming cutting-edge advanced packaging and test facility. This initiative not only strengthens our local economy but also continues to solidify our region’s position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with regional and national partners to drive this critical industry forward.”

“The semiconductor industry is vital to onshoring critical technology that ensures the security and competitiveness of the United States. I applaud the collaboration between government, private organizations, and educational institutions in uniting local, state, and federal agencies to drive innovation, create jobs, and prepare a skilled workforce,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart, District 1. “Maricopa County is in full support of these efforts and excited to collaborate on this transformative initiative, building a brighter future for Arizona and strengthening America’s leadership in technology.”

“This is the largest of three CHIPS R&D flagship facilities being launched that together represent the greatest national laboratory investments since those that came out of the Manhattan Project,” said ASU President Dr. Michael Crow. “The CHIPS R&D project will create a national lab that will be the final piece in a semiconductor ecosystem that serves the nation with research and development, manufacturing and workforce development all right here in Arizona. You’ll have all three things together in the same place to help the nation; Arizona will be the hub nationally – and ASU is at the center of the hub.”

“This announcement is a testament to Arizona’s robust semiconductor ecosystem and national network of industry and research partners advancing technology innovation,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hobbs, Senator Kelly, our Congressional delegation, the Arizona Legislature, the Commerce Department, Chips Office, Natcast, and all our industry partners for their leadership and collaboration. I especially want to recognize Dr. Michael Crow and his team at ASU for their steadfast partnership.”