In this Tech Talk, Mark Lundstrom shares about the Midwest's unique position to capitalize on the growing semiconductor industry, driven by advancements in education and technological innovation.
Purdue University Chief Semiconductor Officer Mark Lundstrom began with a history lesson, drawing upon the historical figure Frederick Emmons Terman, a significant electrical engineer often referred to as the "father of Silicon Valley." In a speech given in the 1960s, Terman noted the essential role of education in technological development. Terman believed that “education is a raw material,” and proximity to educational institutions was more vital for industry growth than location near markets, raw materials, or labor forces.
Dr. Lundstrom then went on to discuss the implications of the recently enacted CHIPS & Science Act, which is uniting education, researchers, and industry, including on Purdue’s campus. The bill includes $39 billion in incentives for companies to construct factories in the United States and is projected to stimulate over $300 billion in private investments, which may lead to a tripling of semiconductor factories (FABs) by 2032. The Act not only addresses manufacturing but also focuses on research and innovation, with $11 billion earmarked for R&D initiatives. According to Dr. Lundstrom, the CHIPS & Science Act is critical to positioning the Midwest as a leader in the semiconductor ecosystem, especially through partnerships in initiatives like the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons hub that includes collaborations between Illinois and Indiana.
Highlighting the growing semiconductor ecosystem in the Midwest, Dr. Lundstrom pointed to the region's 26 universities with engineering programs, including three of the nation’s top ten graduate engineering programs and three of the top ten producers of PhDs in engineering and computer science. He also noted that the region conducts over $1 billion in research annually and is home to major national laboratories and research centers, creating a robust environment for innovation and talent development.
Why is this important? Dr. Lundstrom believes the semiconductor industry is entering a fourth wave of innovation characterized by heterogeneous integration, which involves combining various chips and multiple technologies within a single package, a crucial development for meeting the increasing demands of artificial intelligence and advanced computing. The Indiana-Illinois Corridor is at the heart of this innovation and transformation.
As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Lundstrom's eyes shone with enthusiasm. He believed the future of semiconductor technology was bright, and that the Midwest was poised to play a leading role. With companies like SK Hynix and MediaTek already establishing a presence in Indiana, the signs were promising.
“Semiconductor technology is foundational because everything else depends on it. We live in a digital world. No other technology will be as crucial as semiconductors.”
Dr. Mark Lundstrom
Chief Semiconductor Officer, Purdue University
"We are not just talking about building factories," Dr. Lundstrom said. "We are building an ecosystem. And I believe that with collective effort and determination, we can create a thriving semiconductor industry here in the Midwest."