Intel’s University Shuttle Program

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Intel Is Opening up Its Chip Factories to Academia

Description
Intel is opening up its fabs for academic institutions so researchers can get their hands on physical versions of its chips, with the end goal of boosting semiconductor research and development. The effort, called the university shuttle program, will provide public and educational institutions access to “modern technology for their classes, training and talent development,” said Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, during a keynote at last week’s Innovation Summit (Sept 2022).

Intel’s expansion of the university shuttle program comes a few weeks after the U.S. government outlined its plans for the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. One focus is on strengthening the workforce through training and university programs in chip manufacturing and design.

Relevance
Apple and Nvidia were able to pay their way to dominate manufacturing lines during chip shortages while smaller chip companies were squeezed and unable to secure manufacturing during the shortages. Intel’s program aims to alleviate the problem while providing educational institutions access to “modern technology for their classes, training and talent development.”