Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced the formation of the Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium, a collaborative effort with Intel, JobsOhio, and the Ohio Grants Alliance. This consortium aims to strengthen Ohio's position in the semiconductor industry, positioning the state to become one of two new semiconductor clusters in the United States and compete for federal grant funding. The consortium marks an important step in Ohio's commitment to playing a significant role in reshaping America's tech landscape.

The announcement comes with statements from top officials. According to the press release, Governor DeWine said, "Ohio is committed to ensuring the success of the Silicon Heartland. Bringing together industry partners to onshore this critical industry is key to strengthening our national security, spurring future innovation, and making our economy more resilient."

Upon revealing Intel’s involvement, Ohio demonstrated active efforts towards fostering its growing chip industry. According to the press release, since revealing Intel's plan for two microchip fabrication facilities in Licking County, Ohio has actively nurtured a flourishing environment for the state's expanding chip industry. Over nearly two years, robust collaboration has unfolded among key stakeholders, including top educational institutions, government entities, JobsOhio and private sector entities like the Ohio Grants Alliance led by leading business organizations in Ohio. The recent formal announcement of the Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium solidifies these partnerships.

The U.S Commerce Department’s intentions underpin Ohio’s position as a strong candidate for federal funds. According to the press release, in February 2022,the U.S Department of Commerce unveiled intentions to finance two semiconductor clusters under CHIPS and Science Act. These clusters will encompass a strong supplier ecosystem; research and development facilities for continuous innovation in process technologies; and specialized infrastructure. President Biden has lauded Ohio's Silicon Heartland as crucial to America's future, positioning it as a logical choice for one of the two semiconductor clusters. The establishment of the Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium further strengthens Ohio's standing as a prominent candidate for federal funds.

Lt. Governor Husted gave insight into the broader job-creation potential. According to the press release, Lt. Governor Husted said, "When we were working to attract Intel to establish its semiconductor fab facility in Ohio, we knew that most of the jobs would be created from the supply chain that followed. The establishment of this semiconductor consortium can play an important role in establishing Ohio as the Silicon Heartland."

J.P Nauseef, JobsOhio’s CEO highlighted collective efforts towards a prosperous Silicon Heartland. According to the press release, JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef emphasized the collective commitment of JobsOhio and Ohio to foster a prosperous Silicon Heartland with collaboration spanning government leaders, business community and leading academic institutions all unified around semiconductor industry. The formalization of consortium by building on an already robust ecosystem which includes Midwest Microelectronics Consortium reinforces this commitment. Serving as anchor institution in consortium, Intel has eagerly embraced its role to support existing suppliers and attract key suppliers to Ohio.

Consortium aims at facilitating CHIPS funding access for businesses. According to the press release, The Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium supports Ohio suppliers in accessing CHIPS and Science Act funding for business expansion. The U.S Department of Commerce's CHIPS for America program will prioritize proposals linked to a consortium promoting semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. This funding opportunity complements Intel's request for CHIPS and Science Act dollars to support upcoming semiconductor facilities in Ohio which is expected to create significant job opportunities. Since Intel's announcement in January 2022, Ohio's supplier base has grown from approximately 150 to over 300 with discussions ongoing with more than 30 out-of-state semiconductor suppliers exploring investments to support Intel’s operations. Ohio's proactive semiconductor specific legislation further emphasizes its commitment to fostering the growth of businesses in this sector.