DALLAS, Texas — A semiconductor technology initiative spanning 29 counties across North Texas and southern Oklahoma has been selected for nearly $24 million in proposed federal funding to expand chip manufacturing innovation, support emerging businesses and train workers for careers in the semiconductor industry.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced October 23, 2026, its intent to provide $23,996,830 to the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub through the FY25 Disaster Supplemental Industry Transformation program.
Led by Southern Methodist University (SMU), the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub brings together more than 95 consortium members, including businesses, educational institutions, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies and local governments.
The initiative covers North Central Texas and southern Oklahoma, including the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
The proposed investment will support three major initiatives focused on semiconductor fabrication technology, commercialization and workforce development.
Smaller Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities Could Expand Access for Businesses
One of the initiatives involves developing smaller, mobile semiconductor fabrication facilities known as Fablets.
These facilities are designed to provide startups, researchers and businesses with access to advanced chipmaking equipment that is typically available only in large, expensive semiconductor manufacturing plants.
By making specialized equipment more accessible, the project aims to help companies develop, test and refine semiconductor technologies without having to build their own fabrication facilities.
The initiative is intended to lower the cost of innovation and create opportunities for smaller businesses to participate in semiconductor development.
Funding Would Help Bring Semiconductor Technologies to Market
A second initiative focuses on moving emerging semiconductor technologies from research laboratories into commercial production.
The commercialization program would connect researchers and technology developers with investors, manufacturers and industry partners.
The goal is to help promising technologies reach the marketplace, attract private investment and support the growth of domestic semiconductor manufacturing businesses.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain by expanding opportunities for companies developing new chip technologies.
Workforce Training to Include Careers Without Four-Year Degrees
The third initiative would expand training opportunities for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics technicians.
The workforce development program is designed to help residents qualify for positions in the semiconductor industry through certifications and industry credentials.
According to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), many of these career pathways do not require a four-year college degree.
Some training programs can be completed in one to two years, providing opportunities for workers seeking technical careers.
The initiative will also incorporate artificial intelligence-powered training tools to help workers learn emerging technologies.
Training programs will be developed around the needs of regional employers seeking workers with specialized semiconductor skills.
Texoma Tech Hub Was One of 31 Regions Selected Nationwide
The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub received federal recognition in 2023 through the EDA's Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program.
Nearly 400 applications were submitted nationwide that year, but only 31 regions were selected for designation as federally recognized Tech Hubs.
NCTCOG played a role in organizing the regional consortium and supporting the application process.
The agency formally joined the consortium in January 2024 and has continued providing technical assistance and regional coordination through the North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD).
Prit Patel, NCTCOG's senior economic development manager, serves as an EDA adviser to the Tech Hub, helping consortium partners identify grant opportunities and advance economic development projects.
"Advancing regional economic development, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities that benefit communities across North Texas are essential to our region's long-term success," Patel said.
"The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub represents an important opportunity to position our region for sustained economic growth by attracting new investment, advancing semiconductor technologies, strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and expanding access to high-quality career opportunities."
Federal Economic Development Funding Supported by NCTCOG Exceeds $64 Million
Since 2021, NCTCOG has supported regional organizations in securing approximately $40.3 million in EDA grants.
Including the nearly $24 million announced for the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub, the total federal funding associated with regional projects supported by NCTCOG now exceeds $64 million.
Monte Mercer, NCTCOG's acting executive director, said the long-term impact of the investment will depend on how the funding is used.
"Securing federal investments of this magnitude is a significant accomplishment for our region, but the real measure of success will be what we accomplish with those resources," Mercer said.
"NCTCOG is proud to have helped lay the groundwork for this initiative and to continue supporting the partners who will turn this investment into lasting benefits for communities across North Texas."
SMU Leads Regional Semiconductor Partnership
The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub is led by SMU's Dr. Suku Nair, working alongside Dr. Jungchih (J-C) Chiao, Dr. Scott Douglas and Dr. Jennifer Dworak.
James Grimsley of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma serves as the initiative's regional innovation officer.
The partnership also includes regional economic development organizations, educational institutions, employers and government agencies working to expand semiconductor research, manufacturing capabilities and workforce opportunities.
NCTCOG said it will continue supporting the initiative through regional coordination, technical assistance and efforts to identify additional economic development funding.
