$24 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Semiconductor Industry Across North Texas

October 23, 2026 (Dallas, TEXAS) – A new $24 million federal investment in the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub will strengthen the regional semiconductor ecosystem, accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies, expand workforce capabilities, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across North Central Texas and southern Oklahoma.

Led by Southern Methodist University (SMU), The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub spans 29 counties across North Texas and southern Oklahoma, including the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and brings together a consortium of more than 95 members representing economic development, industry, educational organization, workforce development, and other local governments. These partnerships are central to the Tech Hub’s success, bringing together the expertise, resources and regional collaboration needed to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions, strengthen the semiconductor workforce and drive long-term economic growth.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced the intent to fund $23,996,830 through the FY25 Disaster Supplemental – Industry Transformation program for three key Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub initiatives:

• Fablet^TM Development – Making Advanced Technology More Accessible: Developing smaller, mobile semiconductor fabrication facilities that give startups, researchers and businesses access to equipment typically found in expensive, large-scale manufacturing plants. These facilities will allow more companies and innovators to develop, test and refine new chip technologies without the substantial investment required to build their own facilities, helping lower barriers to innovation and business growth.
• Commercialization – Turning New Ideas into Products and Businesses: Connecting promising semiconductor technologies with the investors, manufacturers and industry partners needed to bring them to market. By helping move innovations from the laboratory into commercial production, this initiative aims to attract private investment, support business expansion and create new opportunities for domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
• Workforce Development – Preparing Workers for High-Demand Careers: Expanding access to specialized training for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics technicians, helping residents gain the skills needed for careers in a growing industry. Many of these positions do not require a four-year college degree, offering accessible career pathways through certifications and industry credentials that can often be completed in just one to two years. The initiative will also use AI-powered training tools to help workers learn new technologies while aligning programs with the needs of regional employers seeking qualified talent.

Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen the semiconductor industry by giving businesses greater access to advanced technology, helping innovations reach the marketplace and preparing workers for high-demand careers. The investments are expected to attract private capital, expand career opportunities and strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain, positioning North Central Texas and southern Oklahoma for continued growth in this critical industry.

Since the federal program was announced in June 2023, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has served as a key regional convener and facilitator in advancing the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub. NCTCOG helped coordinate the establishment of the consortium and provided consultation and technical assistance throughout the initial application process that led to the region’s designation as a federally recognized Tech Hub. The designation was a significant achievement: Of nearly 400 applications submitted nationwide in 2023, just 31 regions were selected – including the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub.

NCTCOG formally joined the consortium in January 2024 under then Executive Director Mike Eastland and has remained actively involved in supporting the initiative through its North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD), providing regional coordination, technical assistance and guidance on EDA funding opportunities. Prit Patel, NCTCOG Senior Economic Development Manager, serves as an EDA advisor to the Tech Hub, helping partners navigate grant opportunities and advance regional economic development priorities.

“Advancing regional economic development, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities that benefit communities across North Texas are essential to our region’s long-term success,” Patel said. “The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub represents an important opportunity to position our region for sustained economic growth by attracting new investment, advancing semiconductor technologies, strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and expanding access to high-quality career opportunities.”

The award adds to NCTCOG's track record of helping regional organizations access federal economic development resources. Since 2021, NCTCOG has supported efforts to secure $40.3 million in EDA grants. Including the $23,996,830 awarded to the Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub, that total now exceeds $64 million in federal funding for regional projects supported by NCTCOG.

“Securing federal investments of this magnitude is a significant accomplishment for our region, but the real measure of success will be what we accomplish with those resources,” said Monte Mercer, NCTCOG Acting Executive Director. “NCTCOG is proud to have helped lay the groundwork for this initiative and to continue supporting the partners who will turn this investment into lasting benefits for communities across North Texas.”

NCTCOG recognizes the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration and regional EDA representative Stacey Webb for their support of this investment. The Texoma Semiconductor Tech Hub is led by SMU's Dr. Suku Nair, alongside Dr. Jungchih (J-C) Chiao, Dr. Scott Douglas and Dr. Jennifer Dworak, with James Grimsley of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma serving as Regional Innovation Officer. Their leadership and the contributions of consortium partners are central to advancing this regional initiative.

Through NCTEDD, NCTCOG will continue helping regional partners identify funding opportunities, develop competitive grant applications and secure resources to advance projects that strengthen communities and support long-term economic growth.

Media Contact:

Caroline Vandergriff, Public Affairs & Communications Officer

(682) 427-4354

cvandergriff@nctcog.org

About the North Central Texas Council of Governments: 

NCTCOG is a voluntary association of 238 local governments serving a 16-county region centered around Dallas-Fort Worth. Established in 1966, the organization provides regional planning, coordination, and technical expertise in transportation, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, public safety, workforce development, and human services for the region's more than 8.9 million residents.

About the North Central Texas Economic Development District: 

The North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD), part of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), serves 16 counties and was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2016. NCTEDD brings together regional partners to strengthen economic development through strategic planning, technical assistance, grant support and collaboration, helping communities attract investment, expand opportunities and build a more competitive regional economy.

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