{"id":236193,"date":"2026-06-17T15:27:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T01:27:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=236193"},"modified":"2026-06-17T15:27:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T01:27:06","slug":"students-pathway-semiconductors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/06\/17\/students-pathway-semiconductors\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> students gain pathway into semiconductor boom"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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As the nation invests $52.7 billion to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing, research and workforce development, University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> students are gaining a direct pathway into one of the country\u2019s fastest-growing and most strategically important technology sectors.<\/p>\n

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UH<\/abbr> Mānoa<\/span> has joined the Pacific-Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors<\/a> (PINES<\/abbr>), a regional coalition of 30 universities and colleges, industry partners and workforce organizations working together to prepare students for careers in semiconductor design, manufacturing and research. PINES<\/abbr> is led by the SEMI Foundation and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.<\/p>\n

Semiconductors, often called the “brains” of modern electronics, power technologies used every day, including smartphones, computers and automobiles, as well as artificial intelligence, satellites, medical devices, renewable energy systems and national defense technologies.<\/p>\n

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering<\/a> professors Boris Murmann, Jeff Weldon and Jennifer Ott led UH<\/abbr>\u2019s successful effort to become part of the network, which spans nine western states and Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>. The initiative aims to better connect students with educational opportunities, hands-on training, internships and industry partnerships while aligning university programs with the needs of employers.<\/p>\n

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“This partnership gives our students the chance to receive training in technologies that are shaping the future while building careers in a rapidly expanding industry,” said UH<\/abbr> Mānoa<\/span> College of Engineering<\/a> Dean Brennon Morioka. “By connecting Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> with a broader regional ecosystem, we can help develop homegrown talent, strengthen innovation across the islands and ensure our graduates are prepared to make an impact wherever their careers take them.”<\/p>\n

The effort comes as demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. A May 2026 analysis by the SEMI Foundation and McKinsey projected a shortage of between 127,000 and 157,000 semiconductor workers nationwide by 2030, highlighting the need for expanded education and workforce development programs.<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr>\u2019s participation builds on its growing leadership in microelectronics. In 2024, the university joined a Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley-led initiative that gives students experience with the complete chip development process, from circuit design to manufacturing and testing. For more on UH<\/abbr>\u2019s microelectronics internship, visit this website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

By joining PINES<\/abbr>, UH<\/abbr> students will have greater access to regional collaborations and career pathways while helping strengthen Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s role in the nation\u2019s expanding semiconductor ecosystem. The partnership will also give UH<\/abbr> faculty access to shared curriculum, educational resources and best practices developed by universities and industry leaders across the network.<\/p>\n

Related UH<\/abbr> News<\/em> stories:<\/p>\n