Launched in May 2026, the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) is a coordinated national effort to build the workforce powering the U.S. semiconductor industry. NNME brings together employers, educators, workforce organizations, and policymakers to deliver consistent pathways into semiconductor careers through a nationally aligned strategy and regionally activated delivery model. As Hub Operator, the SEMI Foundation guides and connects Regional Nodes, establishes shared standards and tools, ensures alignment between education and employer needs, and supports consistent measurement of outcomes across the network.

The network was conceived as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and formally initiated in September 2024, when the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Commerce (DOC) announced a $30 million funding opportunity to establish a Network Coordination Hub to lead a national microelectronics workforce strategy. The SEMI Foundation was selected as Hub Operator, and on May 26, 2026, launched the first four Regional Nodes of the network. This marked NNME's transition from federal initiative to operational national infrastructure.

Regional Nodes

NNME delivers its work through Regional Nodes that activate the network at the local level. Each receives potential funding of up to $20 million over five years and each brings together employers, education providers, and workforce organizations to align training with regional industry demand while operating within a shared national framework. The four launched nodes are:

• NNME Southwest
• NNME Northeast
• NNME South
• NNME Pacific-Intermountain

Tools & Platforms

• ChipPath
  • Interactive career navigation platform connecting students, job seekers, veterans, and career changers to more than 60,000 live semiconductor job openings across more than 1,100 U.S. companies.
  • Allows users to explore careers across the full semiconductor ecosystem, discover training pathways, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and match transferable skills to industry opportunities.
  • Powered by FutureFit AI.
• SemiSphere
  • National learning platform developed to provide K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and workforce organizations with access to industry-aligned curriculum, workforce training resources, and career-connected learning experiences.
  • As of August 2026, SemiSphere is accepting interest list registrations ahead of its launch.

Resources

National Network for Microelectronics Education. (n.d.). About NNME. https://nnme.org/about-nnme/

National Network for Microelectronics Education. (n.d.). ChipPath. https://nnme.org/chippath/

National Network for Microelectronics Education. (n.d.). SemiSphere. https://nnme.org/semisphere/

SEMI Foundation. (2026, May 26). SEMI Foundation and the U.S. National Science Foundation launch first four Regional Nodes of the National Network for Microelectronics Education [Press release]. https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semi-foundation-and-the-us-national-science-foundation-launch-first-four-regional-nodes-of-the-national-network-for-microelectronics-education-nnme