Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $15.2 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. The funding will support an expansion of photomask production capacity at the company’s manufacturing facility in Round Rock. The project is expected to create 50 jobs and involves more than $223 million in capital investment.
“Texas is where the integrated circuit began and where the future of the semiconductor industry is being built,” said Governor Abbott. “This $223 million investment by Tekscend Photomask to expand production capacity at their photomask facility in Round Rock will further strengthen a critical supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing in Texas. By partnering with innovative industry leaders, Texas will lead the American resurgence in semiconductor manufacturing and the technologies of tomorrow.”
Tekscend Photomask manufactures photomasks, which are essential for making semiconductor chips. The expansion project will increase the facility’s capacity by over 40%, modernize equipment and facilities, and extend technology capabilities down to the 12nm node. This technology is used in chip manufacturing for applications such as artificial intelligence, industrial devices, automotive systems, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microcontrollers, and sensors.
“Since 1987, Tekscend Photomask has been proud to call Round Rock home, supporting the Texas and U.S. semiconductor industry with world-class photomask manufacturing,” said Tekscend Photomask Round Rock President John Nykaza. “The support from TSIF enables us to accelerate our expansion — boosting both our technical capabilities and our production capacity. This investment not only strengthens the regional supply chain but also creates additional high-skilled jobs here in Texas, ensuring we can meet the growing research and development and commercial photomask needs of our customers for years to come.”
Senator Charles Schwertner commented on the impact of this initiative: “By expanding their Round Rock facility, Tekscend Photomask is helping drive the next chapter of advanced manufacturing in our region. This initiative strengthens our local economy and bolsters the infrastructure needed for continued technical progress.”
Representative John Bucy III added: “Texas continues to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant awarded to Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. represents a powerful investment in our state’s future while creating 50 high-skilled jobs right here in Round Rock. This expansion strengthens Texas’ position as the premier destination for cutting-edge technology and reinforces our commitment to building a resilient, world-class semiconductor supply chain.”
More information about Tekscend Photomask can be found online.
The TSIF was established after Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023. The fund aims to encourage leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing within Texas through grants like this one. These programs are managed by the Texas CHIPS Office under the Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott leads economic development initiatives across Texas and supports job growth through various programs such as these grants (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under Governor Abbott’s leadership since his election in 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), Texas has achieved record employment levels (https://gov.texas.gov/) while focusing on economic opportunities and fostering innovation (https://gov.texas.gov/). The governor’s office operates out of Austin at the State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/) as part of its role within state government’s executive branch (https://gov.texas.gov/).
