Boise State University has been selected as the lead regional institution for the Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors, part of the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME). The designation, announced today during a press conference on campus, positions Boise State and the broader Pacific Intermountain region as a critical hub for semiconductor workforce development and education.
Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the NNME initiative addresses the urgent national need for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry, which is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by federal investments through the CHIPS and Science Act, increasing demand for microelectronics across all sectors of the economy. As the lead regional institution, Boise State will coordinate educational programs, industry partnerships, and workforce development initiatives across the Pacific Intermountain region.
"This milestone reflects not just Boise State's growing investment in microelectronics education, but the sustained dedication of the faculty, students, and partners who have built MERC into a nationally recognized leader,” Boise State University Acting President and Vice President of Research and Economic Development Nancy Glenn said. “We are proud to carry that work forward as we help shape the semiconductor workforce in the western United States and the nation.”
The Pacific Intermountain Network will develop comprehensive educational pathways from K-12 awareness programs through advanced technical training and four-year degree programs. The initiative will connect community colleges, universities, and industry partners to create seamless transitions for students entering semiconductor careers. Boise State’s existing engineering programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and established relationships with regional employers, including major semiconductor manufacturers, made it an ideal choice for this leadership role.
“NNME is bringing together industry, educators, workforce organizations, and regional leaders to build a talent engine capable of preparing the next generation of semiconductor workers,” said Jennifer Ellis, Director of the NNME.
"The launch of these Regional Nodes constitutes the activation of national infrastructure built to meet the most consequential economic and technological challenge of our time," said Shari Liss, Vice President of Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI and the SEMI Foundation.
The semiconductor industry faces a projected shortage of up to one million workers by 2030, with particularly acute needs in manufacturing, engineering, and technical support roles. The Pacific Intermountain region, home to significant semiconductor manufacturing operations and a growing technology sector, is well-positioned to help address this national challenge while creating high-paying career opportunities for regional residents.
The NNME program emphasizes accessible education pathways, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can enter and succeed in semiconductor careers. Programs will include hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, internship opportunities with regional employers, and support services to help students complete their educational goals.
Boise State’s selection as a regional lead institution builds on the university's strategic focus on workforce development in high-demand fields and its commitment to supporting regional economic growth. The designation is expected to attract additional industry investment to the region and strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and employers.
The National Network for Microelectronics Education was established to create a coordinated national approach to semiconductor workforce development, connecting regional networks across the United States. The Pacific Intermountain Network joins other regional nodes in addressing local workforce needs while contributing to national semiconductor manufacturing and innovation goals.
For more information about Boise State University's role in the Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors, visit boisestate.edu/microelectronics.
About Boise State University
Boise State provides an innovative, transformative, and equitable educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master's degree offerings. Learn more at BoiseState.edu .
About NNME
The NNME is a national workforce development initiative supported by NSF in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NNME connects industry, education, workforce systems, and regional partners through a national network designed to accelerate the development of America’s microelectronics workforce ecosystem. Visit the NNME online to learn more.
About the SEMI Foundation
The SEMI Foundation advances economic opportunity for workers while supporting the sustained growth of the global microelectronics industry. As the workforce development arm of SEMI, the Foundation works across industry, education, workforce systems, and community partners to build clear pathways into semiconductor and microelectronics careers while helping employers attract, develop, retain, and advance a highly skilled workforce. Together with SEMI’s network of more than 4,000 companies, the SEMI Foundation helps strengthen the talent pipeline powering the future of technology. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more, and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.
About NSF TIP
The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three strategies – accelerating critical and emerging technology, expanding the geography of American innovation and building a competition-ready workforce. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.
Research reported in this press release was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. OTA-25Z2966.