[Edaily Reporter SOYEON KIM ] SamsungElectronics is joining “Foundry School,” a U.S. government-led initiative to cultivate talent in advanced manufacturing. Cho Sang-yeon, Executive Vice President and Head of SamsungElectronics’ Device Solutions (DS) Division’s North American subsidiary (DSA), who oversees the company’s U.S. semiconductor operations, personally attended the launch ceremony. As the U.S. semiconductor strategy expands to include building a manufacturing ecosystem that encompasses talent and supply chains, SamsungElectronics aims to participate as a key partner in the local ecosystem.

◇ U.S. Launches Foundry School… Emphasizing Manufacturing Revival

According to industry sources on the 7th, Vice President Cho attended the Foundry School launch ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on the 3rd (local time). The event was attended by executives from global artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor companies—including Meta, Micron, and Applied Materials—as well as representatives from major universities. While it is reported that Shinsegae Co.,Ltd Chairman Chung Yong-jin was invited and attended as a representative of Korean companies, a key executive overseeing SamsungElectronics’ North American semiconductor business also attended the event.

The Foundry School is a program led by the U.S. Department of State to cultivate advanced manufacturing talent, including engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced its launch, and major U.S. universities—including Stanford University, Pennsylvania State University, and Georgia Institute of Technology—are participating in the development of the curriculum. Executives from companies in countries participating in “Pax Silica”—a U.S.-led economic security partnership that includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and India—are also scheduled to serve as instructors (mentors). This reflects the U.S. government’s vision to not only attract large-scale manufacturing investments but also directly cultivate the workforce capable of designing and operating actual factories.

The U.S. decision to launch the Foundry School is based on the assessment that large-scale manufacturing investments alone are insufficient to revive the production base. In particular, the Foundry School is a flagship initiative of Pax Silica. Pax Silica focuses on building supply chains across the entire AI industry—including not only semiconductors but also critical minerals, energy, advanced manufacturing, and AI infrastructure—centered on allies and partner nations. This is interpreted as an effort by the U.S. to address its domestic shortage of manufacturing workers while simultaneously strengthening industrial networks with allies and friendly nations.

The U.S. government estimates that approximately 3.8 million additional skilled workers will be needed by 2033 in key industries such as semiconductors, defense, and energy. The Foundry School will begin basic training in seven regions starting this month and will conduct core training consisting of 10 sessions at Stanford University starting in January of next year. A total of 17 sessions are scheduled to include founders and chief executive officers (CEOs) of advanced manufacturing companies from the U.S. and Pax Silica participating countries.

◇Samsung Secures Talent and Supply Chains… Strengthens Local Networks

For SamsungElectronics, this initiative is significant because it provides access to “people” and “ecosystems”—factors just as important as securing local production bases. As the U.S. government seeks to attract corporate investment while simultaneously securing the workforce and supply chains to support that investment, SamsungElectronics is aligning its efforts to strengthen ties with the local ecosystem.

SamsungElectronics plans to begin full-scale operations at its Foundry Plant 1 in Taylor, Texas, by the end of this year. Securing local engineers and skilled workers has emerged as a key challenge. Semiconductor production facilities require more than just the massive capital investment needed to build the factory; they also require specialized personnel to operate equipment and manage processes, as well as supply chains for materials and equipment, and capabilities in automation and quality control. The Foundry School, in which Stanford University and others are participating, could also serve as an opportunity for SamsungElectronics to expand its connections with local talent. In fact, SamsungElectronics is focusing its efforts on securing and nurturing top local talent by collaborating with local universities and workforce development institutions, primarily around its Austin and Taylor plants. The industry is closely watching to see how SamsungElectronics will participate in the Foundry School’s educational programs and industry exchanges in the future.

An official from the semiconductor industry explained, “In the U.S., the competitive landscape is expanding beyond fabs to include the expansion of the ecosystem following factory construction,” adding, “Along with investments in factory construction, the role expected of companies—including nurturing top talent and establishing AI supply chains and ecosystems—is growing.”