August 28, 2024 – In a landmark move, the United States Department of Commerce and Hewlett-Packard (HP) inked a non-binding preliminary memorandum yesterday, outlining plans to channel up to $50 million in direct funding from the Chips and Science Act towards HP’s endeavors. This strategic allocation targets HP’s microfluidic semiconductor facility in Corvallis, Oregon, with aspirations to fuel its expansion and modernization endeavors.
The microfluidic technology, which delves into the behavior and manipulation of fluids at the microscopic level, stands at the forefront of this transformation. The Department of Commerce emphasizes that HP’s microfluidic semiconductor plant holds immense potential in commercializing microfluidics research outcomes, particularly in the production of silicon devices tailored for life sciences laboratories. These devices play a pivotal role in drug discovery, single-cell analysis, and cell line development, underscoring their significance in advancing medical research.
Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, remarked, “Our investment proposal to HP underscores our commitment to nurturing every segment of the semiconductor supply chain and the pivotal role semiconductor technology plays in drug discovery and innovating critical life sciences equipment. Under this administration, the United States remains steadfast in leading the world in groundbreaking innovations, which necessitate advanced semiconductor technologies and simultaneously spawn economic opportunities.”
Echoing the sentiment, Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, stated, “This proposed investment presents HP with a golden opportunity to modernize and expand our facilities, deepening our commitment to microfluidic technology. This technology, which explores fluid dynamics at the microscopic scale, possesses the transformative potential to revolutionize industries, offering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and precision. Together, we pave the way for next-generation life sciences and technological innovations.”
The collaboration underscores a shared vision between the U.S. government and HP to fortify the country’s position at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in the realm of semiconductor technology and its applications in life sciences, thereby fostering economic growth and scientific progress.
