The Midwest Semiconductor Network is driving a high-tech transformation across America—starting in the heart of Ohio.
In a move that may reshape the global technology map, Ohio has taken center stage as the hub of the Midwest Semiconductor Network (MSN)—a strategic alliance of universities, community colleges, and research centers working together to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to U.S. soil. Led by The Ohio State University and fueled by federal investment through the CHIPS and Science Act, this initiative is powering the Silicon Heartland forward, promising jobs, innovation, and national resilience.
Silicon Heartland refers to a bold regional strategy to reindustrialize the Midwest—especially Ohio—as a global semiconductor and advanced tech leader. Anchored by Intel’s multi-billion-dollar facilities in Licking County and supported by growing public-private partnerships, the region is evolving into a tech corridor that could rival traditional coastal strongholds. With its manufacturing legacy, logistical advantages, and academic ecosystem, Ohio is uniquely positioned to lead.
Originally launched in August 2022, the Midwest Semiconductor Network has grown from a 12-member coalition into a 30+ institution powerhouse spanning five states. Coordinated by The Ohio State University, MSN developed a collaborative research-sharing platform, aligning academic resources and industry needs to accelerate innovation. Ohio institutions—including OSU, Ohio University, Columbus State Community College, and Case Western Reserve—are designing specialized programs to train a workforce that can meet the demands of an estimated 90,000 new semiconductor jobs by 2030.
This week, the network unveiled its centralized semiconductor research portal—a digital ecosystem where member institutions can share equipment, data, and training resources. Intel and other major players are already integrating with the system to begin hiring Ohio-trained talent. Simultaneously, new funding has been announced to expand training centers and research partnerships that will drive the region’s semiconductor output over the next decade.
The economic ripple effects are undeniable. Intel’s $20 billion dual-fab facility in Licking County is just the start. Suppliers, contractors, startups, and AI labs are taking notice. For residents, that means thousands of new jobs, increased investment in STEM education, and better opportunities to stay and thrive in the Midwest. For America, it means renewed self-sufficiency in the world’s most critical technology.
The Midwest Semiconductor Network’s success could spark similar consortium models across the country, but Ohio’s early leadership sets it apart. The integration of community colleges, research universities, and private industry has created a blueprint for regional economic transformation centered on technological excellence.
“We’re building more than chips—we’re building economic resilience,” said Dr. Grace Wang, President of The Ohio State University.
“This is what long-term vision looks like,” added Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The Midwest isn’t just part of the supply chain—we’re leading it.”
“Major investments like Intel’s are a vote of confidence in our people and our potential,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “We are proving that world-changing innovation doesn’t just happen on the coasts.”
