Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has joined the SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) Institute, a pioneering public-private initiative aimed at advancing virtual environments for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and testing. The university secured its participation through a collaborative effort, supported by $50 million in matching funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), contributing to the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).
“Illinois’ cutting-edge research universities, dynamic public-private partnerships, and commitment to future technologies make our state the ideal place for this groundbreaking project,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “I’m proud the Biden-Harris administration has selected the University of Illinois to join the SMART USA Institute. Semiconductors, microelectronics, and quantum technologies are crucial to the economy of the future, and this project will bring us closer to long-term manufacturing goals.”
As part of the broader SMART USA initiative, the University of Illinois will oversee the Digital Innovation Semiconductor Center (DISC) in the Midwest. Nick Colaneri, executive director of Grainger Engineering’s microelectronics program, will serve as the center’s director. DISC will focus on workforce development, especially engaging the region’s small business community. Partner organizations within SMART USA will also have access to $285 million in federal funding through the CHIPS program as projects advance.
DCEO’s $50 million investment is part of a larger $200 million fund designated to match federal funds for the IQMP, highlighting the state’s ongoing commitment to building a high-tech research, development, and manufacturing economy. The state’s successful effort to secure this funding was supported by Innovate Illinois, a coalition of more than 20 public and private sector stakeholders, which has played a pivotal role in growing the state’s tech ecosystem.
“The expertise of Illinois Grainger Engineering’s faculty, researchers, and students, combined with our industry collaborations, will be key to advancing U.S. technological leadership,” said Rashid Bashir, dean of Grainger Engineering. “We are excited to contribute to the SMART USA Institute’s work alongside academic and industry partners.”
Harley Johnson, director and CEO of IQMP, expressed his enthusiasm for Illinois’ role: “We are thrilled that Illinois will lead the Midwest DISC under the SMART USA Institute. Thanks to the state’s strategic investments in the IQMP, we are well-positioned to lead in microelectronics manufacturing and contribute to the development of a national quantum computing facility in Chicago.”
Jenny Scanlon, vice-chair of Innovate Illinois and CEO of UL Solutions, emphasized the state’s capabilities: “Illinois is poised to lead the next wave of advanced computing, and we are ready to deliver this critical program for industry, research institutions, and the workforce.”
Kristin Richards, director of DCEO, reinforced the state’s innovation-focused strategy: “Illinois is a hub for cutting-edge technologies, and our continued investments in initiatives like the SMART USA Institute will ensure we remain at the forefront of high-growth sectors like quantum computing, laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.”
