New York state’s three largest cities – Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse – made it through the first round of cuts in the $10 billion federal tech hub sweepstakes as they vied for the chance to build a semiconductor superhighway along the Building Interstate 90 to support tech giant Micron’s $100 billion investment.
The region joins Binghamton as one of 31 finalists, advancing to the next phase of a competition that included nearly 200 bidders from metropolitan areas across the United States
The five-year Tech Hubs program, envisioned by Congress in the CHIPS and Science Act, will be supported by $500 million in appropriations in the first year. The five winners will be selected in the coming months.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s decision to opt for both New York contributions was seen as a hopeful sign for the future by its biggest supporter, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
“I pulled out all the stops to earn Tech Hub designation for my great home state. I argue that bringing these three cities together and providing the resources to join forces would create an unstoppable engine that will energize the region’s industries “Making Upstate New York a Global Semiconductor Center.” , he said.
Schumer plans to tour Western New York today to make the announcement.
The money will be used to recruit companies, support startups and train workers as the U.S. tries to gain a foothold in an industry dominated by China – a vulnerability highlighted during the pandemic as chip Shortages crippled some supply chains.
Proponents hope the funding will revitalize hinterland manufacturing centers battered by overseas migration and stem the diaspora of talent produced by the region’s top universities.
How much is Micron’s technology investment in New York State?
Micron’s announcement of a $100 billion investment in 2022 that promises to create 9,000 jobs at one of the country’s largest chip factories in the Syracuse suburb of Clay has begun to turn the upstate labor market conversation into a form of hope, at least when it comes to the technology sector.
“At the turn of the century, Western New York led the world in innovation, using hydroelectric power to light streets, homes and manufacturing plants and creating innovative components that were used in countless commercial and consumer products,” said Peter Ahrens. the head of the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance.
“These funds will serve to reinvigorate the thought leadership of our communities to lead our nation and the world into the 23rd century,” he added.
Several initiatives are already underway.
Edwards Vacuum recently announced plans to invest $300 million in a dry pump manufacturing facility to serve the semiconductor industry. And Corning Inc., which supplies glass to the microchip industry, has invested $139 million in Monroe County.
Schumer says the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse consortium, officially known as the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation, or SMART, Corridor Consortium, will create tens of thousands of jobs in all sectors, from electricians, pipe fitters and construction workers to engineering Ph.D.s.
The consortium will bring together around 80 representatives from industry, higher education, trade unions and the public sector.
Battery research and manufacturing in Binghamton, NY
Binghamton’s selection was attributed to its growing role in cutting-edge battery research and manufacturing under the leadership of Nobel Prize-winning Professor M. Stanley Whittingham at Binghamton University.
Last fall, the university’s New Energy New York project received nearly $114 million in federal and state grants as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. An additional $3 million was awarded in September by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The funding will be used to make the Southern Tier a nation-leading center for battery manufacturing and development. The grants will support BU’s efforts to bring battery startups and supply chain companies to the region, while supporting local workforce training programs in the industry.
iM3NY, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer with ties to BU, has begun ramping up operations at its gigafactory in nearby Endicott. Industry officials estimate 8,000 jobs could be created over the decade.
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