On May 27, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), in partnership with the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), SEMI Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced the designation of NNME Southwest as an official NNME Regional Node—one of the nation’s anchor hubs for semiconductor workforce development. NNME is a national effort to strengthen and scale America’s microelectronics workforce ecosystem. Supported by the National Science Foundation, Department of Commerce, and operated by the SEMI Foundation, the NNME connects industry, education, workforce organizations, and government partners to build clearer pathways into semiconductor and microelectronics careers.  

Convened by the Arizona Commerce Authority, NNME Southwest brings together 47 members across five states—Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Southern California—to build a regionally anchored, nationally scalable workforce system. The consortium spans postsecondary institutions, microelectronics employers, workforce organizations, K–12 and STEM partners, economic development agencies, and community‑based organizations. Together, partners will align curriculum with employer needs, coordinate career pathways across the semiconductor value chain, and expand access to training, hands‑on learning, and support that improve talent attraction and retention. 

NNME Southwest industry partners include global technology leaders such as Intel, TSMC, Amkor, Micron Technology, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Nikon Precision, Synopsys, Arm, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Teledyne Technologies, HRL Laboratories, and others across the semiconductor ecosystem. 

“In Arizona, we’re focused on creating a pipeline of skilled talent that supports the needs of employers and grows our economy. The NNME Southwest Node builds on this momentum and further strengthens Arizona’s position as a global chip-making hub,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs. “We’re grateful to the Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation, and SEMI Foundation for their leadership and continued partnership in advancing the microelectronics workforce. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with our NNME Southwest consortium partners.”

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The NNME Southwest Regional Node will focus on: 

  • Scaling coordinated, employer‑driven training across the region through aligned curriculum, stackable credentials, and modernized semiconductor education programs.
  • Expanding hands‑on learning and work‑based experiences including cleanroom training access, pre-apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships.
  • And strengthening inclusive talent pipelines by supporting K‑12 engagement, increasing access for rural and underserved communities, and leveraging immersive and digital training technologies. 

“Industry drives everything we do in Arizona, and that’s especially true with the NNME Southwest Regional Node,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our region is home to one of the fastest‑growing and most complete semiconductor ecosystems in the country, powered by world‑class employers, educators, and workforce partners. The ACA is proud to lead this initiative and work alongside our partners across the Southwest to build a scalable, industry‑aligned workforce system that strengthens talent pipelines and supports the continued growth of America’s microelectronics leadership.”