Governor Greg Abbott announced a $4.8 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant to the Texas Quantum Institute (TQI) at The University of Texas at Austin for the establishment of QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility in Austin. This facility will acquire state-of-the-art instrumentation to advance semiconductor manufacturing by leveraging developments in quantum science and technology, focusing on the science of measurement at the atomic and molecular level. QLab will serve both Texas’ semiconductor and emerging quantum industries, as well as academic research, addressing critical challenges identified by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to TQI
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) has awarded a $4.8 million grant to the Texas Quantum Institute (TQI) at UT Austin. This funding will establish QLab, a new quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility in Austin. Metrology, defined as the science of measurement, is crucial in semiconductor manufacturing, requiring precision at the atomic and molecular level. QLab aims to advance semiconductor manufacturing by applying developments in quantum science and technology, supporting both industry and academic research.
QLab will be managed by TQI, collaborating with UT Austin’s Microelectronic Research Center (MRC), Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE), and Texas Materials Institute (TMI). The U.S. Department of Commerce has identified metrology as a key enabling technology for the semiconductor industry, and this investment aims to address critical challenges within it. This grant builds upon the 2023 Texas CHIPS Act, which established the TSIF to encourage leadership in semiconductor research and manufacturing.
This TSIF grant is expected to position Central Texas as a hub for semiconductor and quantum industry growth. Senator Sarah Eckhardt notes the potential for thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs. The programs administered by the Texas CHIPS Office are designed to leverage investments, encourage expansion of semiconductor companies, and develop the capacity of Texas higher education institutions, maintaining the state’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.
QLab Facility and its Metrology Focus
QLab is a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility being established at The University of Texas at Austin thanks to a $4.8 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF). This facility will focus on metrology – the science of measurement at the atomic and molecular level – which is considered a key enabling technology for the semiconductor industry, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. QLab aims to serve both the Texas semiconductor and emerging quantum industries, alongside academic research efforts.
Managed by the Texas Quantum Institute (TQI), QLab will collaborate with UT Austin’s Microelectronic Research Center (MRC), Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE), and Texas Materials Institute (TMI). The investment is intended to advance metrology tools that address critical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. This development builds on the 2023 Texas CHIPS Act and the TSIF, designed to maintain Texas’ leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.
The establishment of QLab is expected to drive breakthroughs impacting both the semiconductor and quantum industries. Senator Eckhardt highlighted its pivotal role in capitalizing on growth and attracting advanced manufacturing jobs to the region. This investment represents a strategic effort to leverage Texas’ existing infrastructure and expertise, solidifying its position as a national hub for semiconductor innovation and related technologies.
Texas is the new frontier of innovation and UT Austin is where world-changing discoveries in quantum research and development are being made.
Governor Abbott
Texas CHIPS Act and Semiconductor Leadership
The 2023 Texas CHIPS Act established the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program designed to maintain Texas’ leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing. Administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, the TSIF aims to leverage investments and encourage expansion of semiconductor companies within the state. A key component is further developing the expertise of Texas institutions of higher education, solidifying the state’s position as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
A $4.8 million TSIF grant was recently awarded to the Texas Quantum Institute (TQI) at UT Austin for the creation of QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility. Metrology, the science of precise measurement at the atomic and molecular level, is critical for semiconductor manufacturing. QLab will collaborate with UT Austin’s Microelectronic Research Center, Texas Institute for Electronics, and Texas Materials Institute to advance these essential measurement tools.
This investment addresses a need identified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which considers metrology a key enabling technology for the semiconductor industry. QLab’s advancements are expected to drive breakthroughs in both the semiconductor and quantum industries, potentially creating thousands of high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs and positioning Central Texas as a national hub for semiconductor innovation.
