More than 500 of America's 1,200 semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers are located in California and employ 50,000 Californians. The manufacturing of semiconductors and other electronic materials is a highly sophisticated process that involves thousands of individual steps, each requiring precise control. Added to this is the rapid pace of computer chip evolution which requires redesign of manufacturing technology every few years.

UC Discovery Grants address the fast-paced research needs of this industry. Within the field of electronics manufacturing and new materials, it launches 15-20 new research partnerships every year. Some of the partnerships are of relatively large scale.

The UC Discovery Grant in electronics manufacturing and new materials is helping California overcome aggressive efforts by other states to attract away manufacturing firms by enabling them to participate in research that enhances their manufacturing efficiency, leads to technology breakthroughs and new products, and produces the needed highly skilled workforce.

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