Vermont Tech Hub to Manufacture Gallium Nitrade Chips

Berlin, Vt. – The state of Vermont announced its  Tech Hub V-GaN will produce Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors.

GaN advocates say the chips are more efficient, lighter, smaller and more durable than silicon. Applications include electronics, healthcare, sustainable energy and defense.

A recent CHIPS Act investment in GaN and GlobalFoundrie’s Fab 9 plant in Essex Junction is producing GaN chips in a limited capacity, with the goal of becoming the first to mass produce this technology in this hemisphere.

“This Tech Hub designation will expand Vermont’s expanding tech sector and introduce new and lucrative career opportunities for Vermonters,” said Governor Phil Scott. “The State’s collaboration with industry and educational partners is an investment in the rural economy and our youth, and my Administration is standing by to help V-GaN in any way it can.”

Building off that achievement, the V-GaN Tech Hub features rapid development of chip design taking place at the University of Vermont and elsewhere, prototyping conducted at GlobalFoundries, and testing/characterization at a new lab at OnLogic.

“My Administration is also taking a leadership role in this effort,” Governor Scott continued.  “The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development and Vermont Department of Labor are working closely with the University of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges, and GlobalFoundries to support V-GaN and to help it thrive.”

Below are just some examples of the State of Vermont’s ongoing commitment, collaboration, and investments: 

• WORKFORCE: Vermont ‘s Employment Services will support employee recruitment, training, and retention for V-GaN Tech Hub.
• COORDINATION: Direct coordination between Vermont’s Workforce Expansion Program and V-GaN.
• APPRENTICESHIP: Creation of the Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) to work with Tech Hub employers to target new occupations for apprenticeship.
• PREPARING STUDENTS: A summer professional development program for teachers on the development of new curriculum to support student learning with skills that support Tech Hub occupations.
• TRAINING AT GLOBALFOUNDRIES: The Vermont Training Program is prepared to award GlobalFoundries a $4.5 million grant to train current and future employees for the mass production of GaN semiconductors.
• MARKETING: The State of Vermont is committing tens of thousands of dollars to help market the V-GaN Tech Hub.

 More than 60 businesses, educational institutions, and municipalities have already signed on to support and work with Vermont’s Tech Hub. Governor Scott is inspired by V-GaN’s vision of the future and dedication to collaboration and education, and is excited to watch it transform Vermont into the world’s leader in GaN.