Case Western Reserve University announced today that it is one of a dozen Midwest research colleges and universities that have come together to help advance the nation’s strengths in semiconductors and microelectronics.

The collaborative, which includes institutions in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, will leverage existing research, curricular and experiential learning programs to increase innovation in semiconductor and microelectronics—including in supply chain ecosystems.

In addition to Case Western Reserve, the group includes:

• Columbus State Community College
• Lorain County Community College
• Michigan State University
• Ohio State University
• Purdue University
• Sinclair Community College
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Dayton
• University of Michigan
• University of Notre Dame
• Wright State University

CWRU President Eric W. Kaler recently signed the memorandum of understanding that formally created the group, called the Midwest Regional Network to Address National Needs in Semiconductor and Microelectronics. The network intends to grow beyond these initial institutions.

The network emerged from a two-day workshop in April hosted by Ohio State. It follows the Intel Corporation’s January announcement that it will build new, leading-edge chip factories in Ohio, and seeks to address the broader, national efforts to promote U.S. leadership in semiconductors and microelectronics.

Partner institutions will leverage existing research, curricular and experiential learning programs, capabilities and expertise to grow their collective capacity to support the domestic growth of robust semiconductor and microelectronics innovation and supply chain ecosystems.

Initial activities for the network include:

• Develop a common, secure, information-sharing platform to make it easier to identify expertise, equipment, facilities and curricular programs of interest to facilitate joint programming, research, and/or outreach initiatives across the network.
• Encourage regional collaborations and promote workshops around opportunities to pursue funding that will grow regional capacity to support identified needs across the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystems.
• Develop pilot mechanisms to connect existing research, facilities and curricular/training assets across the region to optimize their use to address regional needs and opportunities.

A steering committee with representation from all 12 schools will coordinate the next steps for the network.

This spring, President Kaler and Lorain County Community College President Marcia Ballinger signed a resolution to partner to accelerate research, commercialization and talent development in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

This story was originally published in The Daily. For more information, contact Mike Scott at mike.scott@case.edu.