Dear NSTC Membership –

This past week and a half has been one of uncertainty for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Consortium. As Natcast continues to assess next steps with the Department of Commerce, we would like to provide you with an update.

There has never been a more critical time – or greater opportunity – for the United States to reestablish its global semiconductor leadership. To achieve this, Congress authorized the creation of the NSTC as a public-private consortium with the mission to accelerate semiconductor innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and support a reciprocal cycle of manufacturing in the United States.

On February 9, 2024, the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and Natcast (at the time as the intended operator of NSTC) signed and established the NSTC Consortium. Since NSTC Membership was launched just 11 short months ago, 200 stakeholders representing the full range of the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem and value chain have joined the NSTC. This includes each of you, who by joining the NSTC, have demonstrated your support for this Consortium and its mission.

To serve as the neutral operator of the NSTC, Natcast was established as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) entity. On April 30, 2024, Natcast signed a long-term agreement with the Department of Commerce. Natcast is a nonpartisan and nonpolitical organization with the sole purpose of convening the ecosystem and advancing the crucial work of the NSTC at the rapid speed of industry in order to outpace our nation’s competitors. This includes pursuits such as the development of an ambitious research agenda, selection of leading-edge facilities, creation of a design enablement platform, and the implementation of research and workforce programs and funding opportunities. These efforts have all been made possible in close cooperation with you – the NSTC Consortium Membership. 

Natcast operates with multiple levels of oversight and disciplined fiscal management, starting with the Natcast Board of Trustees, which is comprised of experienced industry executives who serve in a volunteer capacity. Additionally, Natcast works closely with the Department of Commerce, which has direct oversight of NSTC programming, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly reviews as well as approval of its operating budget.

The release of major project funding is contingent upon the Department’s express review and approval. Since April 2024, Natcast has submitted 119 milestones and deliverables to the Department, as directed in our long-term agreement. Further, Natcast operates under stringent fiscal discipline and recently received an unmodified audit opinion conducted by a leading independent auditor.

Also providing strategic insight are the interagency NSTC Steering Committee, chaired by the Department, and two advisory boards established by Natcast. The NSTC Technical Advisory Board and Workforce Advisory Board include recognized industry, government (including from the Department) and academic leaders who provide their expertise and guidance on the NSTC’s research and workforce programs.

To carry out the work of the NSTC, Natcast has built a staff of highly skilled professionals representing deep semiconductor and workforce development expertise from throughout the ecosystem. This team is committed to the work and mission of the NSTC.

The United States has a vital charge: to propel U.S. innovation, ensure our economic competitiveness, and strengthen our national security. We are proud of the work we have done at Natcast and with you, the NSTC Consortium Membership, to advance this mission and serve our nation. 

As recently communicated, the Department of Commerce has a different view on how to implement this element of the CHIPS and Science Act R&D agenda. As the Department plans its path forward, we are asking it to thoroughly review the NSTC capabilities and assets which have already been established through our collective work and utilize them to their fullest extent. The U.S. cannot afford to lose precious time in this global semiconductor race.

We will do our best to provide you with updates as they become available. We are grateful for your passion and contributions to the NSTC, and we encourage your continued support of its critical mission.

Natcast