
October 21, 2025, Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, Minn. – Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech has been awarded $4,147,500 from the Minnesota Forward Fund through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to develop a microelectronics manufacturing training pipeline that prepares Minnesotans for high-demand careers in the semiconductor industry.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech will use the funding to expand its Automation Robotics Engineering Technology program by adding new training space and industry-grade equipment used in semiconductor and clean room manufacturing. The project will support hands-on workforce training for more than 700 students over the next 10 years and create a direct pathway into high-wage careers in microelectronics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
The total program cost is $8.29 million, with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech contributing $4.06 million and semiconductor industry partners providing $87,500 in matching scholarships for student support.
About the Minnesota Forward Fund
The is a statewide economic initiative designed to accelerate growth in emerging industries, including semiconductor manufacturing. Administered by DEED, the fund supports business expansion and advanced workforce training in partnership with higher education institutions and employers.
In its latest round of funding, DEED awarded $69 million to four projects, expected to train more than 800 workers, create 215 jobs, and leverage more than $353 million in private investment.
“The Minnesota Forward Fund is a tool that DEED can utilize to attract businesses to launch and grow here, especially in exciting, emerging industries,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “These projects will have positive long-lasting economic impacts for our workforce and our semiconductor industry partners.”
Preparing Minnesota’s High-Tech Workforce
“Semiconductor production and microelectronics are critical to the future of American manufacturing,” said Dr. Leanne Rogstad, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “This investment will keep Minnesota competitive by building a skilled workforce pipeline in a high-growth, high-tech industry. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech is proud to deliver hands-on training that leads to real career mobility for students.”
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech will launch program expansion planning in 2025, with enrollment expected to begin once new lab facilities and equipment are installed.
About Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ
Founded in 1972, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.
Contact: Jessica Schultz, Media Specialist
Email: Communications@Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµTech.edu