The US pharmaceutical market accounted for nearly 50% of all prescription drugs in 2024, with sales reaching almost $800 billion. This dominance highlights the significant role of the US in the global healthcare landscape.
Enphase Energy has commenced production shipments of its IQ9N-3P Commercial Microinverter in the USA, marking a significant step in its solar and battery systems offerings. This product, utilizing gallium nitride technology, is designed for three-phase grid configurations and adheres to domestic content requirements.
IQE plc reported strong demand in the second half of 2025, primarily driven by increased funding for US military and defense programs. This demand was unexpected and previously anticipated for 2026, highlighting a shift in market dynamics.
BluGlass Ltd has secured a contract extension with North Carolina State University for an additional year, valued at A$1.05m. The focus will be on developing gallium nitride (GaN) lasers for defense and dual-use technologies for the US Department of War.
The US government has mandated HieFo Corp to divest its recently acquired indium phosphide assets from Emcore Corp. This decision follows HieFo's formation through a management buy-out of Emcore's digital chips business and wafer fabrication operations.
The article discusses significant investments by companies and governments in onshoring semiconductor fabs and facilities over the past year due to tariff-related supply chain concerns. This trend highlights a shift towards localizing production to mitigate risks associated with global dependencies.
The U.S. government has launched a Tech Force initiative, attracting interest from 25,000 individuals for engineering roles. This initiative aims to bolster the government's technical workforce in various sectors, including technology and engineering.
Texas Instruments has officially opened its new 300mm semiconductor fabrication facility, known as the SM1 fab, in Sherman, Texas. This marks a significant expansion in their manufacturing capabilities.
The article clarifies that while IEEE supports the evaluation of engineering programs, it is ABET that holds the authority to accredit these programs. This distinction is important as it highlights the role of professional organizations in the accreditation process without granting them accreditation power.
Intel and Amkor are collaborating to enhance high volume manufacturing of Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB) technology, driven by demand from the AI industry. This partnership will establish EMIB assembly processes in multiple global locations, including Korea, Portugal, and Arizona.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to terminate a $285 million contract with the SMART USA Institute, which focuses on digital twins for chip manufacturing. This decision impacts the center's 121 members who aimed to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
C-BATT is advancing its Obsidia™ anode material to enhance battery performance and durability, which are crucial for U.S. military readiness and energy independence. This development highlights the growing importance of American-made battery technology in modern energy infrastructure and defense strategies.
SEMI has announced support for the SEMI Investment Act, which aims to extend the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit through 2031 to include materials suppliers. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen essential manufacturing in the semiconductor industry.
The article discusses the exponential demand for GenAI and the inability of the US power grid to meet this demand, highlighting the urgent need for innovation in chip technology. This necessity is driving advancements that could help bridge the power gap for data centers in the USA.
The 'No Robot Bosses' Bill has been reintroduced by several U.S. Congress members to protect workers from AI-driven discrimination and enhance management transparency. This legislation aims to address the growing concerns over the role of AI in workplace dynamics.
The article discusses how the potential for a 100% tariff on semiconductors is driving significant investments within the United States. This shift is part of a broader trend towards reallocating resources in the semiconductor industry to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Micross is making progress on its 300mm bumping line as part of the RESHAPE initiative, which aims to enhance the domestic semiconductor supply chain. This effort is supported by DARPA's IBAS program and reflects a commitment to onshore advanced packaging capabilities.
First Solar has inaugurated a $1.1 billion AI-enabled manufacturing facility in Louisiana, specializing in cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic modules. The facility is set to employ 826 people and spans 2.4 million square feet, significantly enhancing First Solar's production capabilities.
GlobalFoundries and Navitas Semiconductor have formed a strategic partnership to enhance US-based GaN technology and manufacturing. This collaboration aims to address high-power market demands, particularly in AI data centers and industrial electrification.
A college student in an apprenticeship at STMicroelectronics is seeking advice on securing an internship in the semiconductor industry while studying abroad. He is considering opportunities in Taiwan or the US, despite his current experience being somewhat unrelated to semiconductors.