Texas State Technical College Wilco, Tekscend Photomask awarded Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grants

Texas’ continued investment in semiconductor innovation and workforce development is delivering major wins for the Round Rock region, reinforcing its role as a fast-growing hub for advanced manufacturing.

This month, Governor Greg Abbott announced two Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grants awarded to local institutions—Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. and Texas State Technical College (TSTC)—underscoring the strength of the region’s semiconductor ecosystem. These awards build on momentum from TSIF grants awarded last year to KoMiCo Technology, Inc. and to Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus, signaling sustained state confidence in the area’s talent pipeline and manufacturing capacity.

Expanding Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity in Round Rock

Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. received a $15.2 million TSIF grant to expand photomask production capacity at its Round Rock manufacturing facility. The multi-phase project represents more than $223 million in capital investment and is expected to create 50 new high-skilled jobs.

Tekscend Photomask is a leading manufacturer of photomasks—critical components in semiconductor chip production. The expansion will increase the facility’s capacity by more than 40 percent, modernize equipment to improve efficiency, and extend technology capabilities down to the 12nm technology node, supporting applications ranging from AI and automotive systems to wireless technologies and sensors.

State leaders cited the project as a strategic investment in strengthening Texas’ semiconductor supply chain and reinforcing the region’s role in advanced manufacturing innovation. Tekscend leaders emphasized that the grant accelerates growth while ensuring the company can meet rising research, development, and commercial demand for years to come.

Building the Workforce Behind the Industry

Complementing industry expansion, Texas State Technical College received a $3.5 million TSIF grant to support its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP) at the Williamson County Campus in Williamson County.

The funding will transform existing instructional and lab space into a specialized semiconductor and electromechanical training facility. The accelerated program prepares students in as little as 10 weeks for in-demand roles such as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists. A key component of the program is a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom designed to replicate real-world industry workflows.

State and local leaders highlighted the program’s importance in creating a ready workforce for Texas’ expanding semiconductor sector, ensuring that companies investing in the region have access to skilled talent trained locally.

A Strong Signal of Long-Term Growth

Together, the Tekscend Photomask and TSTC awards—along with last year’s TSIF investments in Round Rock—demonstrate Texas’ long-term commitment to growing a complete semiconductor ecosystem in the region, from education and training to advanced manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure.

Administered through the Texas CHIPS Office, the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund is designed to keep Texas at the forefront of semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing. These latest investments reinforce what local employers and educators already know: the Round Rock–Williamson County region is playing an increasingly critical role in the future of advanced manufacturing in Texas and beyond.

Click these links to read the press releases about Tekscend Photomask and TSTC.