Registration is now open for the 2025 National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Symposium, taking place September 15-16 in Austin, TX. This event represents a significant opportunity for academic leaders to engage with the latest semiconductor industry developments.

Key Highlights:

• Keynote Speakers Announced: The symposium will feature two powerful keynotes focused on the intersection of AI and semiconductor technology:
  • Day 1: “The Engine Behind Generative AI: A Decade of GPU Innovation”
  • Day 2: “From Silicon to Superintelligence: Building AI Infrastructure for the AGI Era”
• Comprehensive Agenda: The event features 30+ sessions covering critical areas:
  • NSTC program updates across Research, Workforce, Design Enablement, Facilities, and Investment Fund
  • Technical sessions on edge computing, advanced packaging, memory, photonics, and more
  • Discussions with semiconductor investors and successful startups
  • Introduction of the new Analog Mixed-Signal Community of Action working group
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, academics, investors, workforce experts, and policymakers to explore collaboration possibilities relevant to higher education institutions.
• Funding Insights: Discover new investment and funding opportunities that could benefit academic research and workforce development initiatives.

This event aligns with the Presidents Forum’s interests in supporting semiconductor education and research initiatives. We encourage members to consider participating to strengthen connections between higher education and this critical industry.

Why it matters:

The Department of Education is launching two negotiated rulemaking committees to implement significant changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), affecting federal student loans and higher education access.

The RISE Committee

• Focus: Federal student loan changes enacted in OBBBA
• Scope: Pre-disbursement changes (loan limits, graduate PLUS program phaseout, institutional authority to limit loans) and repayment reforms (simplified income-driven repayment, multiple rehabilitation options)
• Timeline: Meeting last week of September, first week of October, and one week in November

The AHEAD Committee

• Focus: Other Higher Education Act changes from OBBBA
• Key elements: Workforce Pell (allowing Pell eligibility for programs under 600 clock hours between 8-15 weeks) and new programmatic earnings accountability metrics
• Timeline: Meeting one week in December and early January 2026

What’s next

• August 25 deadline: Written comments and negotiator nominations due
• Higher ed stakeholders encouraged to submit proposals and ideas to shape implementation of these new provisions