Bosch is the latest recipient (provisionally) of CHIPS and Science Act funding. The company has a non-binding agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce and could receive up to $225 million in funding.
Don’t think that Amazon’s insidious crime solvers were somehow in on the action. Bosch is also a German multinational company that manufactures just about everything under the sun. (Includes odor remover!) The company recently accelerated its silicon development, acquiring TSI Semiconductors in 2023, closing the deal earlier this year. But rather than focusing on cutting-edge silicon for computers, phones, and AI, Bosch specializes in chips for the automotive industry.
The company plans to use the funds for a facility in Roseville, California, acquired through the TSI contract. The company plans to invest up to $1.9 billion to convert the plant to produce silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors used to make EVs more efficient in driving and charging. Bosch expects the first 200mm wafers to roll off the line in 2026.
“Our investment in Roseville will enable Bosch to produce silicon carbide semiconductors locally and support U.S. consumers on their path to electrification,” said President Bosch North America and Bosch Mobility Americas. Paul Thomas said in a statement.
Bosch’s Roseville Silicone Plant, California (Bosch)
In addition to increasing America’s dominance in the chip industry, another goal of the CHIPS Act is job creation. The White House says the proposed funding would create up to 1,700 jobs, including 1,000 in construction and 700 in manufacturing, engineering and research and development.
“Today’s agreement will spur nearly $2 billion in private investment and the creation of more than 1,700 jobs, while providing critical support on which our nation’s defense and auto industries depend,” said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian. We will encourage investment in technology.”
In November, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), one of the world’s leading advanced chip manufacturers, secured its first CHIPS Act subsidy totaling $6.6 billion. Other winners include Intel (although funding was recently reduced), HP, Samsung, GlobalFoundries, Texas Instruments, and Rocket Lab.
