The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement of seven new research and development awards granted by the CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO). The federal funding aims to accelerate research across the advanced compute supply chain and strengthen long-term technology leadership in the United States.
These strategic investments are designed to support critical technologies powering artificial intelligence, modern healthcare systems, defense infrastructure, automated manufacturing, and other vital industries. Among the recipients of the funding is leading semiconductor foundry and SIA member GlobalFoundries, which will use the grant to advance research into co-packaged optics—an essential technology for high-speed, energy-efficient data transmission in next-generation computing systems.
In an official statement, SIA President and Chief Executive Officer John Neuffer commended the initiative, emphasizing the central role of hardware innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in artificial intelligence and supercomputing.
“Semiconductor innovation is the foundation of America’s leadership in AI, advanced computing, and the countless technologies that drive our economy and national security,” stated Neuffer. He praised the ongoing support for strategic investments that accelerate next-generation research, strengthen domestic innovation networks, and ensure sustained leadership in microelectronics. He added that the industry body looks forward to working closely with government leaders and Congress to support constructive policies, protect supply-chain resilience, and expand technological development.
Research and development remains the core driver of growth and technological progress in the semiconductor sector. To maintain their competitive advantage, American chipmakers invested a record-breaking
$76.8 billion into internal R&D programs during 2025. While private industry continues to commit significant capital toward new architectures and manufacturing processes, federally supported programs serve as a crucial catalyst. Public research funding helps bridge the gap between early-stage laboratory discoveries and commercial manufacturing, lowering technical risks for breakthrough concepts.
Industry leaders note that maintaining leadership in advanced compute will require continued collaboration between the public and private sectors. Beyond direct funding grants, the sector depends heavily on steady access to highly skilled engineering talent, strong global intellectual property protections, and robust university science programs. These foundational elements ensure that universities and research laboratories can continue to develop future innovations while training the specialized workforce required to support the expanding semiconductor industry.
