Corning Secures $32 Million from CHIPS Act Amid EU Antitrust Scrutiny

Introduction

Corning, best known for its Gorilla Glass used in smartphones, has secured up to $32 million in funding under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. This funding aims to boost Corning’s production capabilities for specialized glass used in semiconductor manufacturing. The development follows the European Union’s recent investigation into Corning’s competitive practices.

Purpose of the CHIPS Act Funding

The CHIPS Act funding will support Corning’s expansion in producing High Purity Fused Silica and Extreme Ultra-Low Expansion Glass at its Canton, New York facility. These materials are essential in lithography processes for chip manufacturing. Corning plans to use the funds to scale its innovative manufacturing processes, generating around 130 new jobs in manufacturing and an additional 175 in construction.

EU Antitrust Investigation

This announcement coincides with the European Commission’s probe into whether Corning’s exclusive agreements limit competition in Europe. Despite this, Corning's focus in the U.S. remains on expanding its technological contributions to semiconductor manufacturing.

Conclusion

Corning’s CHIPS Act funding will enhance U.S.-based semiconductor production capabilities, aligning with national goals to strengthen domestic technology manufacturing. However, the outcome of the EU investigation could affect Corning’s market strategies internationally, introducing a complex dynamic as it balances growth with regulatory scrutiny.