JVIC semiconductor initiative awards nearly $4M in grants

A Jordan Valley Innovation Center semiconductor initiative has awarded nearly $4 million in grants to four manufacturers after announcing a second funding round last year.

The JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node at Missouri State University approved grants of $1 million apiece for Brewer Science Inc., GVD Corp. and MEMC LLC, as well as $925,000 for SRC Electrical LLC, according to a news release. JVIC in 2022 was approved by NextFlex, a member of Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes, as the Missouri node of a program designed to increase the volume, pace and coordination of the development of flexible hybrid electronics and other semiconductor technologies.

"These projects represent a significant step forward in strengthening Missouri's manufacturing capabilities and advancing the semiconductor industry," said Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development and director of JVIC, in the release. "By supporting these innovative ventures, we are fostering a vibrant ecosystem for growth in the semiconductor industry and creating new opportunities for the state."

JVIC in November opened the second funding round of the semiconductor grant initiative, noting a funding source of $5.4 million from the Missouri Department of Economic Development as appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly, according to past reporting.

Kunkel said via email that JVIC is on schedule to utilize the entire $5.4 million by June. He said $4 million was budgeted for subawards, with $1.4 million approved by the DED to support investments in semiconductor capacity at JVIC.

"This includes investments in equipment and facilities primarily, with a small amount in personnel for project administration," Kunkel said.

In the first round of funding announced last year, Brewer Science Inc., GVD Corp., MEMC LLC, SI2 Technologies and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. were selected for a combined $5.2 million, according to past reporting.

With the previous funding, Brewer Science added a cleanroom facility for developing semiconductor materials, acquired new tools and invested in workforce initiatives, according to the release. GVP Corp. used funding for enhanced semiconductor manufacturing and improved device performance, and MEMC bought a critical wafer surface inspection tool for silicon-on-insulator wafers.