Government

Intel Scores Up to $8.5 Billion in Grants Under CHIPS Act

Published March 21, 2024

In a significant boost for the United States semiconductor industry, the White House announced on Wednesday that technology giant Intel Corporation has been awarded substantial grants under the CHIPS Act. The funds, which could reach up to $8.5 billion, are aimed at revitalizing the country's chip manufacturing capabilities and reducing supply chain dependencies.

Strengthening the U.S. Semiconductor Sector

The CHIPS Act, which stands for 'Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America', is part of a broader American initiative to reclaim semiconductor industry leadership. A central aspect of the Act is the provision of financial support for chipmakers. By awarding Intel with these grants, the government has taken a pivotal step towards repatriating chip production and safeguarding technological sovereignty.

Impact on the Semiconductor Market

This substantial investment in Intel could have far-reaching impacts on the semiconductor market. While Intel is at the forefront of this initiative, other industry players, including Nvidia Corporation, are likely to experience indirect effects. Nvidia, known by its stock ticker NVDA, is a leading graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer and could potentially benefit from a healthier, more competitive domestic semiconductor landscape.

Nvidia's pioneering work in GPUs and system on a chip (SoC) units for various markets, including gaming, professional, mobile computing, and automotive applications, has positioned it as a key player in the sector. With activities bolstered by the CHIPS Act, there could be a positive ripple effect on companies like NVDA, particularly if the act leads to a more robust supply chain and greater innovation in the industry.

The Road Ahead for Chipmakers

While the grants are a significant step, Intel and its contemporaries, such as NVDA, are looking forward to the potential for further financial instruments, including loans that may become available under the CHIPS Act. These additional resources would support the scaling up of production and R&D efforts, keeping the U.S. competitive in a market that is crucial for technological advancement and national security.

Intel, ChipsAct, NVDA