Unlocking Innovation: University of Arkansas Launches Cutting-Edge Multi-User Silicon Carbide Facility

18 November 2025

The University of Arkansas has just launched its Multi-User Silicon Carbide Facility (MUSiC). This new facility is a major step forward in semiconductor research and promises to be the only open-access fabrication site of its kind in the United States.

So, what does this mean? For starters, MUSiC will help researchers and companies prototype new technologies involving Silicon Carbide (SiC). This is great news for innovation in materials science and semiconductor technology, making these resources available to external researchers and industries.

Chancellor Charles Robinson highlighted the importance of MUSiC, saying, “This facility will give students valuable hands-on experience. It also helps our researchers explore new possibilities in tech, boosting the state’s economy.” Such efforts don’t just stop at Arkansas; they aim to improve lives nationwide and ensure America’s long-term security and prosperity.

The grand opening was attended by prominent figures including U.S. Representative Steve Womack and Arkansas State Attorney General Tim Griffin. Many industry alumni, such as those from companies like Wolfspeed and Texas Instruments, were also present, showcasing the facility’s relevance to the semiconductor field.

Womack pointed out, “The technologies developed at MUSiC will be crucial for our national security and economic edge.” This facility is all about scaling up technologies so the U.S. can compete more effectively on the global stage.

MUSiC received funding from the National Science Foundation. It features a multi-project wafer model allowing collaboration between academia, government, and industry. The facility boasts an eight-bay cleanroom, with plans to expand to ten bays in the future, all within a spacious 22,000 square-foot building.

The University of Arkansas Power Group (UAPG) is integral to this project. UAPG is one of the nation’s leading advanced power electronics programs, contributing over $31 million in annual research funding and housing three national centers of excellence.

This partnership with the High-Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) and the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) creates a massive academic hub for energy and power research. Tom Johnston of X-FAB Texas noted that MUSiC’s connection to industry standards speeds up the transition from prototypes to fully operational devices.

As Arkansas strengthens its position in SiC power electronics, the facility is poised to contribute directly to energy independence and industrial competitiveness. MUSiC’s open-access model fosters collaboration across sectors, including small-scale production and custom development.

One of MUSiC’s key missions is to train the next generation of workers in the semiconductor sector. By blending design, fabrication, and testing, it prepares students for careers in power electronics and energy sectors. This aligns with recent trends showing a surge in demand for skilled workers in these fields, highlighted by reports indicating a 20% growth in semiconductor jobs in the last five years.

Dr. Ardy Sidhwa, a senior advisor involved with the Excellence in Semiconductors Initiative, emphasized the importance of hands-on training. “MUSiC is redefining how we prepare future engineers and scientists,” he remarked. It’s not just about education; it’s about creating a workforce ready for the challenges of tomorrow, particularly in AI and semiconductor innovation.

In summary: The opening of the MUSiC facility is more than just a new building; it’s a pivotal move in enhancing the U.S. semiconductor landscape and training the workforce of the future.

University of Arkansas | www.uapower.group

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