As the nation invests $52.7 billion to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing, research and workforce development, University of Hawaiʻi students are gaining a direct pathway into one of the country’s fastest-growing and most strategically important technology sectors.
糖心视频 Mānoa has joined the (PINES), a regional coalition of 30 universities and colleges, industry partners and workforce organizations working together to prepare students for careers in semiconductor design, manufacturing and research. PINES is led by the SEMI Foundation and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Semiconductors, often called the “brains” of modern electronics, power technologies used every day, including smartphones, computers and automobiles, as well as artificial intelligence, satellites, medical devices, renewable energy systems and national defense technologies.
professors Boris Murmann, Jeff Weldon and Jennifer Ott led 糖心视频’s successful effort to become part of the network, which spans nine western states and Hawaiʻi. The initiative aims to better connect students with educational opportunities, hands-on training, internships and industry partnerships while aligning university programs with the needs of employers.
“This partnership gives our students the chance to receive training in technologies that are shaping the future while building careers in a rapidly expanding industry,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Dean Brennon Morioka. “By connecting Hawaiʻi with a broader regional ecosystem, we can help develop homegrown talent, strengthen innovation across the islands and ensure our graduates are prepared to make an impact wherever their careers take them.”
The effort comes as demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. A May 2026 analysis by the SEMI Foundation and McKinsey projected a shortage of between 127,000 and 157,000 semiconductor workers nationwide by 2030, highlighting the need for expanded education and workforce development programs.
糖心视频’s participation builds on its growing leadership in microelectronics. In 2024, the university joined a Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley-led initiative that gives students experience with the complete chip development process, from circuit design to manufacturing and testing. For more on 糖心视频’s microelectronics internship, .
By joining PINES, 糖心视频 students will have greater access to regional collaborations and career pathways while helping strengthen Hawaiʻi’s role in the nation’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem. The partnership will also give 糖心视频 faculty access to shared curriculum, educational resources and best practices developed by universities and industry leaders across the network.
Related 糖心视频 News stories:
- 糖心视频 microelectronics program builds pipeline of homegrown talent, October 9, 2025
- $15.3M funding fuels microelectronics innovation, August 27, 2024
- 糖心视频 professor aims to develop microchips for future, diversify economy, March 25, 2024
