The University of Dayton has teamed up with IBM to dive into the world of semiconductor technology. This partnership was announced at an event on UD’s campus. Together, they plan to invest over $20 million over the next ten years to push the boundaries of advanced technology and training.
A key focus of this collaboration is creating a co-major in semiconductor manufacturing engineering. This new program aims to equip students with the skills needed in the fast-evolving chip manufacturing industry. With recent reports showing the U.S. is facing a shortage of skilled workers in tech, such efforts are crucial.
President Eric F. Spina expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Look out, world, IBM and UD are working together.” This teamwork is set to amplify real-world learning experiences for students, who will have hands-on access to equipment donated by IBM.
The partnership plans to set up a state-of-the-art nano-fabrication facility at UD, slated to open in 2027. IBM will contribute $10 million in advanced equipment. This facility will complement UD’s existing semiconductor clean room, enabling students to work with the latest tools.
Graduate and undergraduate students will work under the guidance of faculty and IBM experts. Ryan Whalen, a senior involved in the university’s nanofab lab, shared his excitement: “I hope this means we’ll have much better equipment and be able to make higher-quality pieces.”
PhD student Shiqi Luo added that this partnership opens up access to industry-standard tools, a major boost for students in the field of electro-optics and photonics.
James Kavanaugh, IBM’s Senior Vice President and CFO, emphasized the shared goals of responsible technology development, stating, “IBM has always defined itself around creating responsible and ethical technology for the common good.”
This collaboration is more than just a win for UD and IBM. It reflects a larger trend in academia and industry working together to prepare the next generation of professionals for a rapidly changing tech landscape.
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