Western New England University (WNE) recently participated in the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub (NEMC), a regional initiative aimed at advancing microelectronics manufacturing and semiconductor technologies. The NEMC is funded by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to onshore microelectronics manufacturing and support workforce training for these industries.

WNE is pleased to be part of this initiative and will leverage its expertise in workforce development and training high-tech specialists to contribute to the NEMC’s mission. As College of Engineering Dean S. Hossein Cheraghi stated, “The College of Engineering is thrilled to be a part of the elite coalition of industry partners and universities within the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition. We are prepared to support the Coalition’s technical vision and workforce development activities with our six ABET-accredited engineering programs that provide breadth and depth across the semiconductor ecosystem. The College of Engineering looks forward to creating a regional pipeline of STEM talent that supports new economic development across western Massachusetts and beyond.”

The Department of Defense’s announcement of $238 million in funding for Microelectronics Commons is the largest award to date under President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act and will fund eight regional hubs across the country.

WNE’s participation in the NEMC reflects its core commitment to workforce development and training the next generation of high-tech specialists.