This experienced group of leaders explored the dynamics that led to the Indiana-Illinois Innovation Corridor’s ascension to becoming a dominant force in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing. They also looked ahead at what it would take for the region to fulfill the objectives of the ambitious CHIPS & Science Act.
The $52 billion investment from the CHIPS Act has created a sense of urgency in reclaiming U.S. leadership in chip manufacturing, and the Indiana-Illinois Innovation Corridor is poised to play a key role. But how did that happen? Dr. Valerie Taylor, Director of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, opened the conversation by asking her fellow panelists what factors positioned the region to become a hub for advanced semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.
“Hearing about the important partnerships in the Indiana-Illinois Corridor is excellent. And it is critical to look at the people empowering these partnerships.”
Dr. Valerie Taylor
Director, Mathematics & Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory
Mr. Bill DeVries, Vice President for Industry Transformation & Customer Success at Dassault Systèmes, highlighted the importance of academia-industry partnerships. He cited the success of Dassault Systèmes' collaboration with Purdue University, which has enabled the company to tap the university's talent and expertise to drive innovation. "A university's role is not only to educate but also to innovate," Mr. DeVries said. "And innovation is driven by partnerships that foster research and development."
Mr. Patrick Wilson, Vice President for Government Relations at MediaTek, discussed the region's ability to attract a strong talent pool. "Indiana's quality of life and strong educational resources make it an attractive location for companies like ours," he said.
“Why would a company like MediaTek be in Purdue? The answer is vision. Visionary people in Indiana.”
Mr. Patrick Wilson
Vice President, Government Relations, MediaTek
Ms. Christina Farmus, Interim Vice President for Industry Partnerships and Vice President for Special Projects at Purdue University, discussed the university's significant investments in semiconductor research. "We've attracted over $20 billion in industry investments over the past year and a half," Ms. Farmus said. "This surge in interest underscores the confidence that companies have in our corridor's potential to lead in semiconductor innovation."
As the conversation turned to the challenges of scaling semiconductor manufacturing, Dr. Woong Sun Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Advanced Packaging & Module Technology at SK Hynix, noted the importance of building a comprehensive ecosystem of suppliers and partners. "You need to have a robust supply chain in place to support operations," Dr. Lee said. He also discussed the dual focus of the semiconductor industry: scalability and advanced packaging.
“We need resources to develop disruptive technology. SK Hynix alone does not have enough resources for these innovations. That is why we are happy with the work we are doing with Purdue.”
Dr. Woong Sun Lee
Senior Vice President, Head of Advanced Packaging & Module Technology, SK Hynix
Dr. Supratik Guha, Professor at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and Senior Advisor to Physical Sciences & Engineering at Argonne National Laboratory, expanded the conversation to include the strength of the region’s broader technological landscape, which intersects, influences, and is powered by semiconductor technology, with the integration and convergence of classical and quantum computing happening in the corridor as an example.
“The time is now for us collectively to leverage these regional strengths and build up a Midwestern innovation pillar.”
Dr. Supratik Guha
Professor, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago; Senior Advisor to Physical Sciences & Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory
The panel also addressed challenges such as energy consumption within the semiconductor industry and workforce development. Dr. Guha pointed out that as we scale up to meet growing demands, we need to innovate in energy efficiency. The speakers stressed the importance of long-term research, collaboration among industry, academia, and national labs, and alignment of industry needs with educational resources.
“If we can do something to attract students to stay in Indiana, that would contribute tremendously to how competitive we are, and how innovative we are. So that’s our goal. To train and retain them.”
Ms. Cristina Farmus
Interim Vice President, Industry Partnerships and Vice President, Special Projects, Purdue University
In conclusion, Dr. Taylor invited each speaker to provide final thoughts on the future of the semiconductor industry in the region. Each was optimistic—a feeling that stemmed from the region’s commitment to innovation, workforce development, and partnerships. As Mr. DeVries said, "This is going to anchor where we're headed."
“We will not be competitive by simply doing the process the same old way; we need the people to do it more efficiently, more effectively, and in a cost-friendly way.”
Mr. Bill DeVries
NAM Sales Vice President – Industry Transformation & Customer Success, Dassault Systèmes