Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the award of a $1.98 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) to support a workforce development initiative focused on advanced microelectronics. The funding will enable the university to establish a comprehensive training program in 3D Heterogeneous Integration (3DHI), a critical technology shaping the future of semiconductor design and manufacturing.
The initiative will be housed at PVAMU’s campus in Prairie View and aims to strengthen Texas’ talent pipeline in microelectronics while supporting national efforts to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Prairie View A&M University is part of The Texas A&M University System and is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state.
“Texas is investing in the workforce of tomorrow today,” Governor Abbott said in a statement announcing the grant. He emphasized that the program will support Texas’ leadership in advanced microelectronics, enhance national security by strengthening domestic semiconductor capabilities, and create pathways to high-quality jobs for Texans.
The training program will focus on 3D Heterogeneous Integration, a technology that allows multiple chips or wafers—often made from different semiconductor materials—to be stacked and integrated within a single package. This approach delivers significant improvements in performance, power efficiency, and functionality compared to traditional chip designs, and is increasingly central to next-generation computing, defense, and communications systems.
The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at PVAMU will lead the initiative. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), PVAMU is collaborating with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and working in partnership with the Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing (NGMM) program. Together, they aim to provide specialized, industry-relevant training aligned with emerging workforce needs.
The curriculum will cover key areas including 3DHI process capabilities, electronic design automation (EDA), digital twin technologies, and the design and development of advanced 3DHI microsystems. The program is designed to prepare students for highly technical roles across the semiconductor value chain, from design and simulation to manufacturing and integration.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the grant reflects a long-term investment in both economic growth and human capital. He noted that Prairie View A&M is equipping students for some of the most complex and in-demand roles in the semiconductor industry, positioning Texas to remain competitive as global demand for advanced chips accelerates.
State leaders also highlighted the broader significance of the investment. Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst described the funding as a step toward sustaining Texas’ role as a global technology leader, while helping build a skilled workforce capable of supporting future innovation.
