Steve Putna
Director, Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Talk Title
The Big Bet In Texas
Description of Talk
The Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute aims to re-establish U.S. leadership in chip design and manufacturing by advancing semiconductor research and development and training a new generation of semiconductor professionals.
Biography
Dr. E. Steve Putna, a pioneering semiconductor industry leader, became the inaugural director of the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute on July 1, 2024, while also serving as a Visiting Professor of Practice in Texas A&M’s Department of Chemical Engineering. With more than 25 years of experience at Intel Corporation, he brings extensive expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, supply chain management, and leading innovative research initiatives. The Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute was created in response to federal and state CHIPS and Science Act legislation to advance semiconductor technology and workforce development. Under Dr. Putna’s leadership, the Institute focuses on cutting-edge research, strong industry partnerships, expanded education and training programs, and secure semiconductor fabrication capabilities to support national defense needs. His academic background—holding a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. from the University of Texas at Austin—positions him to guide the Institute toward global prominence and strengthen the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.