Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor awarded $40 million as Tech Hub
Press Release, Congress of United States, House of Representatives
ROCHESTER – Today, Representatives Joe Morelle (D-NY), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Brandon Williams (R-NY) announced the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor), comprised of the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse areas, has been selected to receive $40 million in Phase II funding in the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program.
The creation of the NY SMART I-Corridor will allow for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region to combine their expertise in advanced manufacturing with both ongoing and new investments in semiconductor and sensing technology to drive the American innovation economy forward.
This historic, bipartisan group of New York House of Representatives members leveraged the strengths of their unique communities to attract federal investments to stimulate regional economic growth now and for the future. The NY SMART I-Corridor coalition emphasized collaboration over competition, utilizing their unique universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates, to build a brighter future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.
In October 2023, the NY SMART I-Corridor was designated a Regional Tech Hub during Phase I of the program. Selection for Phase II funding further underscores the strength and promise of our region.
“This historic federal investment will help empower the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region’s semiconductor and sensing industries and propel our growth in these essential fields over the next decade,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful to the Biden Administration, Secretary Raimondo, and the Economic Development Administration for selecting our application and recognizing the promise our region holds. I look forward to continuing my work alongside this bipartisan group of colleagues to leverage the unique economic strengths of our communities to pioneer innovative technologies and secure our nation’s scientific future.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said: “With this additional investment into the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor and its designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, our region will be at the forefront of innovative advancements benefiting our nation, and the world. This funding will onshore critical parts of our nation’s supply chain, bringing jobs to our communities and promoting technological advancement. I am eager to see the positive impact this funding will have on our community.”
Enacted as a part of the CHIPS and Science Act, the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program invests in areas across the country with a focus on emerging, innovative technologies to help stimulate regional economic development and rebuild American supply chains. The program is partly inspired by the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act legislation written and introduced by Rep. Morelle in 2020.
The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is uniquely poised to excel in the innovative, advanced technology of semiconductor production due to the presence of its highly trained and skilled workforce, world-class universities, and extensive manufacturing infrastructure.
In a study by MIT economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson, 100 cities were listed as prime candidates for economic growth through targeted federal investment. All three cities represented by the NY SMART-I Corridor were on the list, with Rochester ranking number one, Syracuse number three, and Buffalo number fifteen.
Editor’s Note: Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “With this transformative federal grant, New York is taking another major leap toward building Chips Country in our state. This award will help to bring the next generation of semiconductor research, manufacturing, and workforce training upstate and unlock even more funding – on top of our other state investments – to attract chipmaking businesses and jobs. From Micron’s historic investment to our first-in-the-nation chips research center in Albany, New York is all in on semiconductors and I thank the Biden administration, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Morelle for ensuring we remain competitive in the global race for chips business.”
