Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region chosen as federal ‘tech hub’

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region has been named a federal “tech hub” under the CHIPS & Science Act, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced Monday.

Speaking at Buffalo Manufacturing Works, Schumer said the designation places the tri-city region among 31 regions nationwide that will compete from an initial pool of $500 million in federal funding, with potentially billions of dollars in investment at later dates.

“Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are officially on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway,” he said.

The proposal, called the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub,” was among hundreds of applications in the nationwide competition. It aims to transform the tri-city region — with UB playing a critical role — into a global hub for workforce training, innovation and manufacturing of semiconductor technology.

“We are excited to leverage UB’s expertise in semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and supply-chain management to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing in the United States,” Venu Govindaraju, vice president for research and economic development, said during Monday’s event.

He added: “We will drive innovation. We will enhance national security. We will continue to prepare our students to power the professional workforce of the 21st century.”

The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub proposal will now compete for the next phase of the tech hubs program, which will invest $50-$75 million in up to 10 regions chosen from the 31. Ultimately, the program could grow up to $10 billion, meaning that successful tech hubs may have the opportunity for significant additional funding.

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse consortium includes over 80 members from across higher education, the public sector, industry, economic and workforce development, and labor. 

Monday’s announcement builds upon other investments, including Buffalo receiving $25 million last year under the American Rescue Plan’s Build Back Better challenge, Schumer said.

In a news release issued Monday by Schumer’s office, President Satish K. Tripathi thanked Schumer and Rep. Brian Higgins, NY-26.

“This is a great day for Buffalo and Western New York,” Tripathi said. “On behalf of our entire university community, I would like to thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his visionary leadership and Representative Higgins for his enduring support of the University at Buffalo.”