TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Semiconductors help power everything from our cars to our computers, and some things much more advanced.
The University of Arizona Tech Park and greater Tucson area are pushing to become even more of a destination for that innovation.
Texas-based semiconductor company Strike Photonics is expanding to the Tech Park on the Southeast side. It uses light to make microchips with faster signal processing.
“We see Tucson and Arizona being very strategic for us,” Tim Kalthoff, Strike Photonics’ Vice President of Product Development, told KGUN.
Kalthoff is also from Tucson. He says this it’s an ideal place for expansion for multiple reasons.
One is the flexibility at the spacious tech park. Strike Photonics is starting with only a handful of Arizona employees, who are working on product development and customer-facing activity.
“We can grow within the Tech Park,” said Kalthoff. “And that makes it really ideal. It’s not displacing us dramatically as we grow. We see moving around within the Tech Park.”
Even more crucial, he says, is a strong workforce coming out of the university’s highly-regarded Wyant College of Optical Sciences.
Several potential chip buyers are also in Tucson, in defense and other industries.
"There are many specialized semiconductor technologies that are already here, and projected to grow," said Laura Shaw, Senior Vice President of economic development group Sun Corridor.
Some of those examples with a presence in the area include Leonardo (semiconductor laser manufacturing), NP Photonics (optical sensing system), and PowerPhotonic.
Shaw says the combination of the specialized workforce and potential clients has also led to a 40 percent increase in manufacturing projects in Tucson over the last three years.
“Not only will you have those chip manufacturers, but you have a lot of companies circling around that industry to supply to that manufacturer,” she said. “And we want to be in that space."
Shaw says the region has also seen a boon in other related areas, such as batteries and parts for electric vehicles.
"We're looking to catapult Tucson into the national spotlight, ensuring this region really has a prominent place in these emerging trends and emerging industries," said Shaw.
Adding to Southern Arizona’s advantage: a national push to make more semiconductors in America for a smoother supply chain.
Last year’s ‘CHIPS and Science Act’ is investing nearly $53 billion in federal funding into semiconductor manufacturing and research in the U.S.
“It’s a real perfect storm of all of these trends going on, plus the funding coming from the federal government," Shaw added. "I mean, these projects that we’re seeing, the rest of the country is seeing as well. And it’s really dominating site selection across the country. But we’re really ready to compete for that.”
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Ryan Fish is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9 and comes to the Sonoran Desert from California’s Central Coast after working as a reporter, sports anchor and weather forecaster in Santa Barbara. Ryan grew up in the Chicago suburbs, frequently visiting family in Tucson. Share your story ideas and important issues with Ryan by emailing ryan.fish@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook and Twitter.
