ATLANTA (WRBL) — For more than a year, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley has led an effort to bring high-tech microchipping jobs to Columbus and the region.
The initiative, called CHIPS4CHIPS, created the first startup to bring investment and jobs to Columbus by the end of the year. CHIPS4CHIPS is an acronym for Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors.
Micromize, a pioneering semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient electronics for wearable and mobile devices, announced its Columbus operations Tuesday afternoon at the Marcus Nanotechnology Research Center on the campus of Georgia Tech .
“They're making small printed circuit boards for wearable technology like VR headsets and watches,” said United Way's president and CEO, who works in poverty for high-quality technology jobs. said Ben Moser, president of CHIPS4CHIPS, an organization that promotes action. “And the scope of applications has expanded. The company was first founded at MIT and then came to Georgia Tech to access the research and development going on at the company's packaging lab, the Advanced Packaging Institute.Advanced Packaging Institute is world-renowned as the No. 1 Advanced Packaging 3D Heterogeneous Integration Lab in the United States and the world, and now the company is coming here to Columbus to establish its headquarters and manufacturing site.”
Micromize is led by Founder and CEO Prashant Patil.
“Our decision to locate in Columbus was determined by several important factors. We are excited about the opportunities this vibrant city presents for our growth and development.” Patil said in a prepared statement. “CHIPS4CHIPS' efforts to support the semiconductor industry are commendable, and we are excited to be part of this innovative ecosystem.”
The startup will operate out of a building owned by Bradley Corporation on Fifth Avenue in downtown Columbus. Micromize is expected to initially create 15 to 20 jobs. Both manufacturing and corporate headquarters will be located in Columbus.
Columbus was attractive for several reasons.
“Proximity to ports and airports facilitates efficient transportation, and Columbus plays a pivotal role in supporting us by providing critical infrastructure. Nationally Recognized C4C’s workforce development efforts are a huge benefit, as is Fort Moore’s presence ensuring access to a skilled workforce,” Patil said. “Additionally, Columbus offers an attractive climate and abundant outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for work and leisure.”
Moser has said from the beginning that the effort, which includes his organization, local businesses and regional educational resources, is aimed at developing the workforce.
and leverage a better-trained workforce to address high poverty in the region.
It is funded by public and private funds from both sides of the river. The city of Columbus committed his $1.25 million to the effort. And the City of Phoenix received an additional $250,000.
This recruitment effort is tied to federal funds allocated to bring advanced microchip jobs back to the United States.
Late last year, the White House selected CHIPS4CHIPS as one of 22 finalists for the Distressed Area Recompetition Pilot Program. One of the eight to 10 communities selected will bring up to $50 million to the Columbus region for workforce development.
