SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — In a significant boost to the semiconductor industry, North Carolina State University has been awarded a $39.4 million grant by the Department of Defense (DOD) to expedite the development of wide- and ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors. The grant aims to address the present and future needs of the DOD, as well as fortify national security.

The initiative, known as the Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide-bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS) proposal, will bring together leading technology companies and academic institutions such as Adroit Materials, General Electric, Kyma, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), and Wolfspeed.

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) played a pivotal role in advocating for the CLAWS proposal, leading a bipartisan letter on June 23, 2023, urging the DOD to consider its potential. Expressing his gratitude for the DOD's decision, Sen. Budd stated, "I’d like to thank the DOD for choosing to invest in NC State’s CLAWS proposal. It is critical that the United States takes the lead in semiconductor manufacturing, and it was a privilege to advocate for North Carolina’s unique capacity to get the job done for our national and economic security."

This substantial investment in semiconductor development aligns with the nation's strategic objective of ensuring its leadership in this critical industry. As semiconductors continue to play an increasingly vital role in various sectors, including defense and technology, the grant will foster innovation and bolster the country's capabilities.

For more information on the CLAWS proposal, please visit the bipartisan letter led by Senator Budd.