The semiconductor sector in Texas is receiving a significant workforce development boost through the expansion of Austin Community College's Advanced Manufacturing Production training program, funded by Merit America and the America’s Frontier Fund Foundation, aiming to upskill low-income workers nationwide and establish Central Texas as a national center for semiconductor workforce development.

The Opportunity Coalition, spearheaded by Merit America and America's Frontier Fund (AFF) Foundation, with support from funders including the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Blue Meridian Partners, and Ascendium Education Group, is expanding access to Austin Community College's best-in-class training program to prepare low-wage workers for upwardly-mobile careers in the semiconductor industry, as part of its goal to achieve $2B in wage gains across 20,000 learners in nation-critical careers by 2030.

Purdue Research Foundation, which helps turn academic findings into startups, has inked a deal with Albuquerque-based Roadrunner Venture Studios.