Meta, Broadcom and others to launch $125 million semiconductor research hub at UCLA

A significant collaboration has been established among Broadcom, Meta, Applied Materials, GlobalFoundries, and Synopsys, as they announce a $125 million investment in a new "Semiconductor Hub" at UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering. This initiative is designed to accelerate research and workforce development in AI-driven chip technologies, enhancing various aspects of the semiconductor ecosystem, including design, manufacturing, and software. Located at the UCLA Samueli campus, this research hub will operate under a five-year commitment. Faculty and student researchers will collaborate closely with the partner companies to expedite the process of bringing new chip innovations to a fast-evolving market. Ah-Hyung "Alissa" Park, the dean of engineering at UCLA Samueli, emphasized the importance of tackling the future challenges of the semiconductor industry, stating, "Nobody, including industry, knows what the semiconductor landscape will look like in 10 years. But we must continue to ask the most challenging and high-risk questions." The initiative also provides yearlong internships for engineering doctoral students, allowing them to gain practical experience with leading companies in the field. This launch arrives at a critical moment as AI continues to transform the job market, prompting many tech companies, including Meta, to announce substantial job cuts. "As semiconductor complexity grows and the pace of AI advancements quickens, strengthening the relationship between industry and academia is crucial," said Gary Dickerson, CEO of Applied Materials. "We are eager to collaborate with the Semiconductor Hub partners to accelerate technological breakthroughs while inspiring the next generation of engineers in the U.S." Park highlighted that these internships will significantly improve career prospects for participating students, noting, "Understanding how to develop as an independent researcher and engineer is vital. Mentorship from both faculty and industry will greatly enrich their growth."