Moore's Lobby Podcast

State of the Industry: Semiconductor Insiders Discuss the Ambitions and Realities of the CHIPS Act

Episode #73 / 55:27 / March 12, 2024 by Daniel Bogdanoff
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Episode Sponsor: Mouser Electronics

The goal of the CHIPS Act is to invigorate US semiconductor manufacturing. Three leaders in the US semiconductor industry with unique perspectives join us to discuss: Will it work? Is it enough? And where should future investments go?

The chip shortage made us all think about the precarious semiconductor supply chain. In response, the US government has moved to bolster the domestic industry. The CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law in August 2022, but we are still waiting to see its impact on US semiconductor manufacturing. 

 

The US CHIPS and Science Act aims to strengthen the US semiconductor industry. Image used courtesy of Adobe

 

In this podcast, we are joined by three industry insiders:

  • Rich Simoncic, EVP of Microchip Technology
  • Russ Garcia, CEO of Menlo Micro
  • Michael Knight, President & CEO at Endries International

They will give us their perspective on the CHIPS Act and what should be done to improve the supply chain. In this engaging discussion, the group is hosted by our Moore’s Lobby host, Daniel Bogdanoff. Their discussion includes:

  • The confusing relationship between the CHIPS Act and the current state of the supply chain. 
  • The challenges of getting advanced R&D across the “valley of death.”
  • Is it enough?
  • The technologies and nodes that might be overlooked.
  • What should a CHIPS Act 2 invest in?

 

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsor! 

 

 

Meet Our Panelists

Rich Simoncic, Executive Vice President of Microchip Technology. 

Rich has held management-level positions with Microchip since its founding in 1989. Prior to his current position, he was senior vice president of the Analog & Interface Products Division (APID). In 1998, Rich founded Microchip's analog business, which now represents 25% of annual revenue

During his time at Microchip, Rich has established multiple teams that have improved or developed systems for devices and manufacturing process technologies. He is also credited with implementing progressive statistical and training techniques that have brought world-class manufacturing yields to Microchip’s manufacturing operations. 

 

Russ Garcia, CEO of Menlo Micro

Russ is an experienced electronics systems and semiconductor professional. As CEO of Menlo Menlo Micro, he sets the corporate direction and strategy and guides the company's focus on leadership, technology innovation, and customers. 

Russ has more than 30 years of experience, including leadership positions at both public and private companies. Prior to Menlo Micro, Russ founded nGeniSys, an investment and consulting firm focused on technology industries.

 

Michael Knight, President & CEO at Endries International

In 2022, Michael was named President and CEO of Endries International, a leading fastener and related materials supplier to electronics industry OEMs. Michael has over 30 years of electronics industry experience including 18 years in management positions at TTI, Inc. He has worked for electronic component manufacturers and distributors of all sizes, from startups to global leaders. 

He is a member of Macrofab’s Board of Directors and previously served as President of the National Electronics Distributor Association and Chairman of the Electronic Component Industry Association.