U.S. Department of Commerce Announced that Sunnyvale Will Also Host Natcast HQ
SAN JOSE, CA (Nov. 1, 2024) – Today, Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Ahmad Thomas celebrated the selection of Sunnyvale, CA, by the U.S. Department of Commerce to be the headquarters for the new National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). The Biden-Harris Administration shared that the Sunnyvale location, which will be known as the Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF), will be one of the three CHIPS for America research and design (R&D) facilities and will also operate as the headquarters of Natcast, the non-profit entity designated by Commerce to operate the NSTC.
As a staunch advocate for Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem, SVLG worked alongside federal, state, and local partners to strongly advocate for this historic investment in California’s semiconductor industry.
“Sunnyvale’s selection as the headquarters for the National Semiconductor Technology Center and Natcast highlights Silicon Valley’s unique strength in advancing U.S. technological leadership and our business competitiveness,” said SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas. “As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI advancements, this flagship R&D center is a win-win for Silicon Valley and our government. SVLG is proud to have championed the Valley’s unparalleled value proposition alongside Governor Newsom, California’s Congressional Delegation, and other state and local leaders.”
SVLG’s advocacy has spanned several years, beginning with advocating to federal leaders on behalf of the enabling CHIPS and Science Act legislation. Once signed into law, SVLG partnered with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to host meetings, site tours and roundtables with leadership of the Department of Commerce and Natcast, most recently brokering a gathering at San José State University in the final weeks before the decision was announced.
The CHIPS and Science Act provides more than $52 billion for American semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, workforce development and communications technology security. According to the Commerce Department, the DCF is expected to be a multi-functional facility, serving as a critical location for the operations of Natcast and the NSTC, including:
- Conducting advanced semiconductor research in chip design, electronic design automation (EDA), chip and system architecture, and hardware security
- Hosting programmatic activities, including the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, Design Enablement Gateway, and a future Investment Fund
- Convening NSTC members and stakeholders from across the semiconductor ecosystem
- Housing various administration functions
Learn more about the announcement here.
About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group:
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG has worked for 45 years to address issues that affect the region’s economic health and quality of life. Today, SVLG Is focused on accelerating the next era of Silicon Valley leadership, activated by our three new Centers of Expertise (COE). Innovation & Technology, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusion & Belonging. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the worldwide economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
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