The SMART USA Institute today announced the formation of its inaugural Board of Directors, a powerhouse of leaders from across academia, industry, investment, and public service. This board will guide the Institute’s mission to accelerate innovation, strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and cultivate a talented, future-ready workforce. The Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute (SMART USA) is advancing America's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities through digital twin technology. Funded under the CHIPS and Science Act as a Manufacturing USA institute, SMART USA unites industry leaders, academic institutions, national laboratories, and small businesses to address critical domestic semiconductor production challenges.

As a national institute, SMART USA also serves as a hub for collaboration, education, and applied research to ensure U.S. leadership in next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Leading the Board as Chair is Carroll A. Thomas, a nationally recognized advocate for American manufacturing and former Director of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership. “SMART USA’s commitment to building strong, collaborative networks for innovation and workforce development resonates deeply with my values,” said Thomas. “I’m excited to help expand its reach and impact.” With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurial and small business development, Thomas has built a distinguished career across both public and private sectors. Her leadership has consistently driven economic growth by fostering high-impact partnerships and championing innovation ecosystems that empower communities and industries alike.

Serving as Vice-Chair is Dr. Richard A. Gottscho, former CTO of Lam Research and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. With a career rooted in scientific excellence and semiconductor industry leadership, Gottscho brings a passion for collaborative problem-solving and technological advancement. “Innovation in semiconductors is a team sport,” said Gottscho. “SMART USA is building the ultimate team—uniting academia, industry, and government—to bolster American leadership in the new battleground of digital twins.”

Dr. Mark Liu, former Chairman of TSMC, brings a global lens to the Board. Under his leadership, TSMC became a cornerstone of the global semiconductor supply chain. His presence reinforces SMART USA’s commitment to excellence and international collaboration. “The semiconductor industry is entering a new era—one that demands global cooperation, technical excellence, and strategic foresight,” said Liu. “SMART USA embodies all three.”

Dr. Chris Miller, Professor at Tufts University and author of Chip War, is another acclaimed member of the SMART USA Board. “Retaining our technical edge is essential to America’s long-term security and prosperity,” said Miller. “SMART USA is helping ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of semiconductor innovation in a rapidly shifting global landscape.” Miller’s work explores the geopolitical and economic forces shaping the semiconductor industry; his insights will inform SMART USA’s strategic direction as it navigates the global landscape of innovation, competition, and national security.

From the investment and entrepreneurial world, Manish Muthal, Senior Managing Director at Maverick Capital, contributes a forward-looking perspective on scaling disruptive technologies. His experience across Intel, Broadcom, and Xilinx adds depth to SMART USA’s innovation strategy. “SMART USA is where bold ideas meet real-world execution,” said Muthal. “I’m thrilled to contribute to its mission of accelerating intelligent compute and next-gen infrastructure.”

Finally, the Board includes John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), who brings decades of experience in global trade and technology policy. His leadership ensures that SMART USA remains aligned with national priorities and industry needs. “Joining the SMART USA Board is a natural extension of our mission to strengthen America’s semiconductor ecosystem,” said Neuffer. “Together, we can drive innovation and secure our global competitiveness.”

Reflecting on the Board’s formation, Dr. Todd Younkin, Executive Director of SMART USA, shared: “This board is more than a group of advisors—it’s a coalition of visionaries. Their collective wisdom and collaborative spirit will guide SMART USA as we build a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive semiconductor future.”

Each board member brings a unique lens to SMART USA’s mission—from policy and investment to manufacturing and education. The Board will ultimately include nine members in total, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and leadership.

About SMART USA

SMART USA Institute is the nation's first Manufacturing USA Institute focused on digital twin technology for semiconductor manufacturing. Led by the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation and supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology CHIPS R&D Office with $285 million in federal funding matched by over $770 million in planned private investment, SMART USA brings together industry, academia, and government to revitalize American semiconductor manufacturing through digital innovation. The Institute will operate through seven regional centers, leveraging over 70 shared computational and physical facilities to accelerate the development and deployment of digital twin technologies across the semiconductor supply chain. Learn more at https://www.smartusatwins.org/. Follow us on LinkedIn.

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It’s a coalition of visionaries. Their collective wisdom and collaborative spirit will guide SMART USA as we build a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive semiconductor future.