Yumi Lee, founder of Korean startup SLZ, is part of a growing wave of international entrepreneurs drawn by the promise of a U.S. semiconductor revival. Her AI-powered MEP design-automation software, already used in projects across Asia, cuts engineering time and reduces design clashes.
“The slow digitalization of construction in the U.S. initially led us to de-prioritize this market,” Lee said. “But with the rapid rise of AI-driven transformation, this is now the ideal moment to return.”
Lee came to New York in search of local partners, even as some planned facilities remain in early stages. One of the biggest projects — Micron’s proposed $100 billion megafab in Clay, New York — has recently been pushed back by two to three years.
Founders like Lee are also eyeing the U.S. as major chipmakers move production here to sidestep Trump-era tariffs — a shift that has already delivered big wins for several states.
Arizona has attracted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker. Ohio secured Intel’s massive “Ohio One” project, and Texas is expanding its footprint with Samsung’s upcoming 2-nanometer plant in Taylor.
These developments strengthen the U.S. supply of advanced chips used to train and run modern AI models.
Baby steps for mega-projects
New mega-projects signal a once-in-a-generation reshaping of America’s semiconductor landscape, but talent shortages are slowing expansion.
John Boyd Jr., principal at The Boyd Company, said the rapid growth of large-scale manufacturing, data centers, and semiconductor plants has strained U.S. labor pools.
“In Phoenix, TSMC faced major shortages of skilled workers needed to install advanced equipment,” Boyd said. “This lack of specialized talent slowed construction and growth. TSMC had to bring experienced technicians from Taiwan to train Arizona workers, a costly process that caused significant project delays.”
To address the gap, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) recently brought a delegation of companies to tour Micron’s megafab and TSMC’s plant.
The group also visited local colleges to explore workforce pipelines, said Daiki Nakajima, director of business development at JETRO USA.
“Micron plans to employ 5,000 people within five to six years, so we wanted to ensure they have professionals capable of working there,” Nakajima said.
In Albany, the delegation visited NY Creates, an innovation center designed to support semiconductor research and workforce development.
International companies are also exploring top U.S. STEM universities, which have helped build semiconductor ecosystems through targeted workforce development.
“Some outstanding programs of this kind include those of UT Austin, ASU, UT Dallas, and SUNY Polytechnic in Upstate New York,” Boyd said.
Can political uncertainty stifle investment?
Japan recently announced $550 billion in U.S. investments as part of a trade framework in which Trump lowered and capped tariffs on Japanese goods.
It’s unclear how much will go to the semiconductor supply chain, but Nakajima said there is strong interest in bringing major projects to the U.S. Companies targeting the U.S. chip market span robotics, industrial equipment, laser photonics, printing, and packaging.
“In addition to investment from Japan, our small and mid-size suppliers need local and state support to get up and running,” Nakajima said.
U.S. grants and subsidies remain a major draw for international founders. They could also benefit from fast-tracked permitting tied to chip manufacturing, according to Boyd.
Still, foreign manufacturers and startups remain wary of political uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions and inconsistent policy have left confidence low.
“There’s a lot of interest from Japanese companies in projects like Arizona’s TSMC,” Nakajima said. “But will this continue? If we commit to these projects, could the next U.S. government shutdown or policy change disrupt them?”
Nakajima said companies are waiting to see how these uncertainties play out. “That’s going to be the next challenge for founders expanding to the U.S. semiconductor market.”
