Last week the U.S. launched the CHIPS ITSI Western Hemisphere Semiconductor 💻 Initiative, in collaboration with the IDB. It aims to improve semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) capabilities in key partner countries, starting with Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico.
Through this initiative, the IDB will support public-private partnerships and implement OECD recommendations to enhance semiconductor ecosystems in these targeted nations. It will commence in 2024 and continue through 2026.
The initiative is backed by the CHIPS Act International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, which provides 500 million of funding to provide for semiconductor supply chain security and ICT security. This in order to diversify the supply chain and reduce dependency on Asia.
In relation to this, the Panamanian government 🇵🇦 adopted a decree in April establishing a framework to develop and promote the microelectronics and semiconductor industry in Panama. It calls for the creation of a national strategy and action plan, an innovation committee (CIMS), investment incentives (fiscal, migration), the development of human talent and the set-up of a National Fund, among others.
Since then various initiatives have been followed up such as the creation of the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center (C-TASC) that will operate at the Technological University of Panama (UTP). It is being set-up in coordination with the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (Senacyt) and the advice of the Arizona State University.
To implement training programmes to develop human talent in the field, UTP with SENACYT have established alliances with the Arizona State University of the United States, the CITC – Chip Integration Technology Center from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and Chiba University of Japan 🇯🇵 and the TEC of Costa Rica 🇨🇷to name a few.
The various initiatives bring a number of opportunities for foreign companies. Besides opportunities for companies directly linked to the semiconductor supply chain, think of companies active in design, engineering and consultancy (feasibility studies, training), training & education providers, universities & their commercial spin-offs and ICT infrastructure and services companies (e.g. cyber, network security).
Funding of initiatives (studies, training, tech transfer etc) is envisaged through the National Fund.
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