News: Microelectronics
24 November 2025
PowerAmerica issues request for proposals for 24-month projects
PowerAmerica — a public–private research initiative established in 2014 as the US Department of Energy (DOE)’s first Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute — has issued a request for proposals for projects lasting up to 24 months, focused on the development of advanced wide-bandgap power semiconductor technologies, power electronics assemblies, and packaging and manufacturing processes with the potential to improve performance and lower cost. Demonstration of wide-bandgap (WBG) manufacturing processes and/or devices in high-volume, commercially viable power electronic applications is also desired. Technology Readiness Levels should be in the range TRL 4–6.
The submission deadlines are 12 December for concept papers and 13 February for full applications. The expected date for notifying proposed projects of selection is 18 May 2026, prior to project negotiations.
Funding comprises $9m from PowerAmerica in industrial projects plus $9m in performer cost-match; $3.2m in PowerAmerica University projects plus $3.2m in performer cost-match; and $900,000 in member-initiated projects plus $450,000 in member cost-match — an anticipated total of $26m in WBG projects to accelerate commercialization of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) chips and power electronics.
Where applicants are making multiple proposals, industry and National Lab recipients may receive up to $1m total, and university recipients may receive up to $230,000 total.
Primary metrics used to evaluate the proposed projects include their potential to:
- accelerate the adoption of wide-bandgap power electronics;
- lower the cost of WBG devices and power modules;
- demonstrate the system-level advantages of WBG technologies in power electronics applications;
- demonstrate the reliability of WBG systems;
- create a pathway to commercialization;
- impact US manufacturing competitiveness;
- impact workforce development and education;
- production of US technicians and engineers with expertise in WBG power electronics;
- address technological gaps linked to the needs defined in the PowerAmerica or other relevant DOE or industry roadmaps and identify additional knowledge gaps to be addressed.
As a member of Manufacturing USA (a national network of institutes for advanced manufacturing through large-scale public–private collaboration on technology, supply chain, and education and workforce development) and supported by the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Office (AMMTO), the PowerAmerica institute’s purpose is to accelerate the commercialization of WBG semiconductor power electronics. Led by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, partnership is committed to increasing technical capabilities, domestic manufacturing, and creating jobs across the US wide-bandgap semiconductor industry.
