Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $4.8 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to the Texas Quantum Institute (TQI) at The University of Texas at Austin. The funding will be used to establish QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility in Austin.
“Texas is the new frontier of innovation and UT Austin is where world-changing discoveries in quantum research and development are being made,” said Governor Abbott. “Through this TSIF grant, QLab will acquire state-of-the-art instrumentation that will be used to advance semiconductor manufacturing in Texas by leveraging new developments in quantum science and technology. Texas will continue to lead the nation with quantum leaps into the future.”
The QLab facility aims to serve both the semiconductor sector and emerging quantum industries in Texas, while also supporting academic research. Metrology, which involves precise measurement techniques essential for semiconductor manufacturing, is central to QLab’s mission. The facility will be managed by TQI in collaboration with several UT Austin research centers: the Microelectronic Research Center (MRC), Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE), and Texas Materials Institute (TMI).
“The Texas Quantum Institute is grateful for the continued support of the State of Texas and UT Austin,” said TQI Co-director Elaine Li. “Metrology has been identified by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the key enabling technology for the semiconductor industry. This investment from the TSIF will empower UT Austin to advance metrology tools that can be applied to address critical challenges in the semiconductor industry.”
“This investment gives us tremendous momentum to advance quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology, driving breakthroughs that will shape the future of both the semiconductor and quantum industries,” added TQI Co-director Xiuling Li.
Senator Sarah Eckhardt commented on Central Texas’ role as a hub for semiconductor innovation: “The innovative work of the faculty and researchers at UT Austin has helped make Central Texas a national hub for semiconductor innovation. As quantum technologies continues to transform the semiconductor industry, the QLab will play a pivotal role in positioning our region to capitalize on growth in the semiconductor and quantum industries, including the thousands of high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs that will come with it.”
Governor Abbott signed into law the Texas CHIPS Act in 2023, creating TSIF as part of efforts to maintain leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing within Texas. These initiatives are administered by divisions within his office focused on economic development and tourism.
