The CHIPS and Science Act has catalyzed significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D in Indiana, contributing to the growth of the Hard Tech Corridor, a 65-mile stretch from Indianapolis to West Lafayette. The region has become a hub for technological advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, biopharma, aerospace, and transportation.
Recent updates surrounding the Hard Tech Corridor:
1. On July 9th, 2024, Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced at the SEMICONWest conference that Indiana will host the first-ever SEMIEXPO In The Heartland in April 2025. The event will bring semiconductor industry leaders and policymakers to Indianapolis, showcasing Indiana’s commitment to fostering semiconductor innovation.
2. South Korean firm SK hynix announced an investment of $3.87 billion to establish its first U.S. advanced chip packaging facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The facility will begin operations in 2028 and is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs. It will produce high-bandwidth memory chips which are crucial components in Nvidia GPUs.
3. On January 19th, 2024, NHanced Semiconductors, Inc. inaugurated the NHanced WestGate Facility in Odon, Indiana. This advanced packaging assembly center, part of the WestGate One complex, features two cleanrooms for semiconductor assembly and process development. WestGate One, a ten-acre multi-company complex built specifically for semiconductor innovation, is expected to generate over 500 jobs.
Other Investments at WestGate One:
4. Arizona firm Everspin Technologies has announced a 10,000-square-foot fabrication and research site specializing in Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) for next-generation defense applications. The project aims to create 35 jobs by the end of 2027.
5. Minnesota-based Trusted Semiconductor Solutions is investing $34 million in an integrated circuits (IC) manufacturing facility. The facility will focus on aerospace, defense, and industrial automation applications. The investment will create 40 jobs by 2027.
6. Reliable MicroSystems, LLC, headquartered in Tennessee, has announced a $7.3 million investment to expand its operations to Indiana. The expansion will create 61 jobs and support the development of high-reliability electronics for mission-critical applications.
TalentCraft is uniquely equipped to support the growth of the Hard Tech Corridor due to our comprehensive understanding of Indiana’s labor market. Additionally, TalentCraft’s partnerships with leading technology and research organizations such as the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, ARI (Applied Research Institute), SEMI, and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) position us at the forefront of growth, enabling us to effectively connect skilled talent with expanding opportunities in the Hard Tech Corridor.
