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The U.S. Department of Commerce has taken control of a $7.4 billion semiconductor research fund, dissolving its partnership with Natcast, a nonprofit established under the Biden administration to oversee the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC).
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will now manage NSTC operations directly. The department described Natcast as an “unlawfully established” entity that circumvented federal rules prohibiting government agencies from creating corporations. Officials also criticized the nonprofit’s leadership, alleging it was stacked with political appointees from the previous administration.
Natcast had been tasked with administering research funds allocated under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aimed to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. The Commerce Department’s decision signals a shift toward greater oversight and direct federal control of strategic technology investments.
Natcast has not publicly responded to the dissolution. The future of several semiconductor initiatives previously managed by the nonprofit remains uncertain.
EDA Symbol by CommerceGov
