The State of Georgia has a new semiconductor company moving in.
The venture-backed startup Micromize, a spin-off of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology building energy-efficient electronics for wearables and mobile devices, announced this week that it is shifting its operations to Columbus, Georgia.
That is a big deal, given that Georgia has made major inroads in creating and attracting more manufacturing opportunities. It is also big news given how crucial semiconductor manufacturing is to the modern American economy. Semiconductors are essential components of the computing and electronic devices, and are in everything from our microwaves to our cars to our refrigerators.
Micromize landed on Columbus through partnerships forged with several local organizations, including CHIPS4CHIPS (Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors/C4C), Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center), its Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Center for Economic Development Research.
As a sign of the statewide interest in the semiconductor industry, Micromize made its announcement at the Marcus Nanotechnology Center on Georgia Tech’s campus this week to a room filled with state officials and business leaders.
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This is the first semiconductor manufacturer in the Chattahoochee Valley, which encompasses the counties around Metro Columbus. Up in Atlanta, Micromize will also open up its Research & Development Lab at Georgia Tech’s 3D Systems Packaging Research Center.
Georgia’s skilled workforce, airport hubs, and ports were also helpful in sealing the move.
Prashant Patil, Micromize founder and CEO, cited “growth and development” opportunities in the region as a major reason for his decision to move the company.
“Our collaboration with Georgia Tech enriches our talent pool, adds exponentially to our research and development capabilities, and access to mentorship at ATDC enhances our commercialization potential,” Patil added in a statement. “We are also proud to be part of the effort to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, with Columbus serving as our starting point as we embark on this exciting journey of growth and innovation.”
The company is set to bring upwards of 25 new jobs to the region.
Most semiconductor manufacturing today happens in Asia, but onshoring needs continue to grow. The Semiconductor Industry Association expects that the U.S. chip industry’s workforce will grow by 33% by 2030, representing 460,000 jobs.
“Microchips, semiconductor packaging, and microelectronics are critical to our national economy and national security. Micromize’s choosing Georgia as its home to grow reflects what is proving to be a successful model when business, government, and research institutions such as Georgia Tech collaborate,” said ATDC Director John Avery.