Illinois Tech Joins Midwest Semiconductor Network to Strengthen Microelectronics Industry

CHICAGO—Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has joined the Midwest Regional Network to Address National Needs in Semiconductor and Microelectronics—a partnership of 20 colleges and universities committed to developing innovative solutions in higher education to best support the onshoring of the advanced semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

“As the impacts of a global shortage of semiconductors reverberate throughout the supply chain, now is the time to collaborate on cutting-edge  technological advancements  in microelectronics,” said Illinois Tech provost Kenneth T. Christensen. “Chicago, Illinois and the Midwest share a deep reserve of talent and innovation, and this network of educational institutions is poised to make great contributions to the industry. Illinois Tech is at the forefront of engineering and industry-relevant research and education, and with our recent partnership with DMG MORI establishing a national center for advanced manufacturing, Illinois Tech is ready to help shape the semiconductor industry.”

The network began after a two-day workshop hosted by Ohio State University in April, and Illinois Tech joined in November. 

Partner institutions will leverage existing research, curricular and experiential learning assets, capabilities, and expertise within the region and grow the collective capacity to support the domestic growth of robust semiconductor and microelectronics innovation and supply chain ecosystems. 

“With our legacy of innovation in engineering  and computing and our proven record of  generating cutting-edge ideas, Illinois Tech is honored to help address the needs of the U.S. semiconductor industry and be a key contributor in this partnership,” said Illinois Tech president Raj Echambadi. “We look forward  to collaborating with such incredible institutions of higher learning throughout the Midwest to help make the United States a global leader in semiconductor production.”

Universities in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan comprise the Midwest Semiconductor Network, which is expected to grow further.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the collective power of difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

Media contact

Kevin Dollear
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Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773-860-5712
kdollear@iit.edu