University of Vermont outlines workforce programs and wins federal GaN tech hub designation

The University of Vermont told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on Jan. 21 that the university is expanding workforce and rural economic programs and has been designated the state’s federal GaN (gallium nitride) Tech Hub, an award UVM said will spur startups and manufacturing work in Vermont.

“95% of our graduates are employed or continuing their education six months after they graduate from UVM,” Wendy Koenig, Executive Director of Government Relations for the University of Vermont, said in testimony. Koenig told committee members UVM places about 1,100 graduates into Vermont’s workforce each year and employs roughly 4,500 faculty and staff.

The designation as a GaN Tech Hub—part of the federal Tech Hub program—was described by Koenig as a second‑round award for Vermont after an earlier unsuccessful application. Koenig said the overall Tech Hub grant is “for almost $24 million,” and that UVM is asking the state for $1 million in matching funds and seeking a $1 million commitment from GlobalFoundries to create startup grants and a characterization lab. Koenig said UVM and private partners have already secured roughly $4 million for a…