Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $10 million investment in Michigan Semiconductor Talent and Technology for Automotive Research (MSTAR). This is a public-private initiative for developing semiconductor manufacturing and a strong talent base. Moreover, it aims to accelerate semiconductor applications in the automotive sector.
The MSTAR aims to position Michigan as the world’s leader in automotive semiconductor technology, providing the necessary infrastructure for increased efficiency in semiconductor utilization.
The State of Michigan signed an MOU for the MSTAR initiative in 2023 to establish a global semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan. The partnership included the semiconductor company KLA, the Belgian technology innovation hub imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, and General Motors.
“Today, we’re announcing a $10 million investment in MSTAR, a public-private initiative to help Michigan lead the future of cars and semiconductor chips,” said Governor Whitmer. “A year ago, we launched MSTAR to show the world that Michigan was serious about advanced manufacturing and talent development. Now, we’re putting $10 million behind it with our industry partners to keep winning advanced mobility and semiconductor projects. Together, we will keep working to bring advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains home, creating economic opportunity in every region of Michigan.”
Some of the goals include the development of the necessary infrastructure and talent base for advanced semiconductor applications in the automotive industry, supporting the semiconductor industry, advancing autonomous automotive solutions, as well as research in the field of electric vehicles, and developing a well-trained workforce to meet the demand at all levels.
The MSTAR initiative will also collaborate with educational institutions, including K-12 schools, vocational schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, and research universities, and offer training and retraining programs to prepare the workforce. The organization also intends to pursue federal CHIPS Act funding.
