Silicon Labs opens new R&D laboratory in Austin with $23M grant

Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power connectivity, has unveiled a new R&D laboratory at its Austin headquarters, expanding its capabilities in wireless semiconductor innovation and supporting the development of next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The facility, which received a $23 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) established by the Texas CHIPS Act, marks a significant milestone in the company’s partnership with the State of Texas.

The new Austin Innovation Center features advanced research, testing, and validation equipment, along with state-of-the-art engineering workspaces. During the grand opening, company leaders and employees, alongside representatives from the State of Texas, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the space.

Matt Johnson, President and CEO of Silicon Labs, emphasized the importance of the new center. “Our new Austin Innovation Center is a critical step in our partnership with the State of Texas to advance semiconductor innovation and solidify Texas as the premier destination for semiconductor research, design, and development.”

The new R&D laboratory enhances Silicon Labs’ ability to develop, test, and validate secure and intelligent wireless technologies that power IoT applications. The facility supports the company’s Series 3 platform, which includes advanced security, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and wireless connectivity for various smart home, industrial, healthcare, commercial, and smart city applications.

Johnson continued, “This new space will enable us to accelerate product development, validate new technologies more efficiently, and collaborate across disciplines to bring innovations to market faster.”

As the demand for intelligent, connected devices continues to rise, the new facility positions Silicon Labs to continue advancing the wireless technologies that make everyday products smarter, more secure, and more energy-efficient. The TSIF funding has allowed Silicon Labs to upgrade its equipment to work with more advanced wafer process technology nodes, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.

The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was created to bolster domestic semiconductor leadership by supporting strategic research and development investments, reducing barriers to innovation, and addressing increasing global competition. Silicon Labs, as one of the world’s largest companies focused on wireless IoT connectivity, plays a crucial role in advancing the U.S. semiconductor industry.

The grand opening of the Austin Innovation Center also celebrates the ongoing partnership between Silicon Labs and the State of Texas, aimed at driving long-term economic growth and strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. This collaboration is expected to foster high-value jobs and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology in smart home, industrial IoT, and smart city markets.

With this new facility, Silicon Labs reinforces its commitment to innovation and leadership in the realm of wireless connectivity, ensuring that the company remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements.