The Cooper Union is excited to announce its participation as an initial member of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH). This collaboration positions the institution within a dynamic network of academia, government organizations, and industry partners, fostering innovation and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.

NORDTECH is a regional hub dedicated to advancing microelectronics through fabrication, prototyping, and workforce development. As part of the Microelectronics Commons program—established under the CHIPS and Science Act—it has received $40 million to accelerate domestic prototyping and strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry. The Microelectronics Commons program is a national network of regional technology hubs working to enhance U.S. leadership in microelectronics by bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial manufacturing while expanding the pipeline of U.S.-based semiconductor talent. 

“This partnership will allow us to contribute to critical advancements in semiconductor technology while providing invaluable opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Jabeom Koo.

As a member of NORDTECH, The Cooper Union will have the opportunity to:

• Participation in collaborative microelectronics research and innovation initiatives.
• Access to funding opportunities, proposals, and shared resources that align with the CHIPS & Science Act’s goals.
• Involvement in the Hub’s workforce development programs and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Collaboration with industry leaders, government partners, and academic institutions to accelerate defense technology advancements.