Not everything in the semiconductor industry is about slicing off every single nanometer, which is why the Biden administration is splashing out CHIPS Act funding to those engaged in less cutting-edge processor production.
Why the Chips Act Signals a Return to "Industrial Policy" | WSJ
As an example, today's announcement is that Bloomington, Minnesota-based Polar Semiconductor could receive up to $120 million in CHIPS funds to double production capacity over the next two years, along with a potential buyout to bring the business back into American hands.
Polar, which makes semiconductors used primarily for the energy industry and electric vehicles, will use the funds to double its production capacity of sensor and power chips and upgrade its manufacturing kit, adding 160 jobs to boot.
Along with expanded production, the U.S. Commerce Department said the funding would trigger additional private equity investment to "transform Polar from a majority-owned proprietary manufacturer to a majority-owned commercial foundry, expanding opportunities for U.S. chip designers to innovate and produce technology domestically."
