How our membership works…

SMART USA welcomes participation from the entire semiconductor ecosystem through a flexible membership structure designed to include organizations of all sizes and types.

Advancing America’s digital twin capabilities for semiconductor manufacturing requires diverse perspectives—from large manufacturers and specialized suppliers to innovative startups, academic institutions, and research labs.

Our tiered membership options ensure that whether you’re a global industry leader or a specialized small business, you can participate meaningfully in this critical national initiative.

Each tier provides appropriate benefits, governance representation, and project funding opportunities scaled to your investment level.

By bringing together this complete ecosystem of stakeholders, SMART USA creates the collaborative foundation needed to accelerate innovation and strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing for our technological future.

For informational purposes only. Terms of final membership agreement and bylaws take precedence/priority.

TIER 1

Lead Member (Industry)

Features of Membership

  • 1 self-selected Tier 1 Seat on Strategic Governing Council

  • 1 self-selected Tier 1 Seat on Project Portfolio Board (PPB)

  • 1 self-selected Seat on every Advisory Committee

  • Non-Exclusive, Royalty-Free (NERF) Commercial + R&D Rights for Collaborative Projects

  • R&D Rights for Proprietary Projects

  • Rights for Institute Led Projects determined by PPB

  • Annual Project Funding Budget can fund projects worth up to 1.5 times cash dues

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

Lead Member (Academia & Non-Profit)

Features of Membership

  • 1 self-selected Tier 1 Seat on Strategic Governing Council

  • 1 self-selected Tier 1 Seat on Project Portfolio Board

  • 1 self-selected Seat on every Advisory Committee

  • R&D Rights for Collaborative Projects and Proprietary Projects

  • Rights for Institute Led Projects determined by PPB

  • Annual Project Funding Budget can fund projects worth up to 1.5 times cash dues

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

TIER 2

Associate Member (Industry)

Features of Membership

  • Two Tier 2 Representative Seats (for all Tier 2 members) on Strategic Governing Council Elected by Tier 2 Peers

  • Two Tier 2 Representative Seats ( for all Tier 2 members) on Project Portfolio Board Elected by Tier 2 Peers

  • 1 self-selected Seat on 2 Advisory Committees of choice

  • Non-Exclusive, Royalty-Free (NERF) Commercial + R&D Rights for Collaborative Projects

  • R&D Rights for Proprietary Projects

  • Rights for Institute Led Projects determined by PPB

  • Annual Project Funding Budget can fund projects worth up to 1.5 times cash dues

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

Associate Member (Academia & Non-Profit)

Features of Membership

  • 1 self-selected Seat on 2 Advisory Committees of choice

  • R&D Rights for Collaborative Projects and Proprietary Projects

  • Rights for Institute Led Projects determined by PPB

  • Annual Project Funding Budget can fund projects worth up to 1.5 times cash dues

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

TIER 3

Project Member (Industry)

Features of Membership

  • One Tier 3 Representative Seat (for all Tier 3 members) on Strategic Governing Council Elected by Tier 3 Peers

  • One Tier 3 Representative Seat (for all Tier 3 members) on Project Portfolio Board Elected by Tier 3 Peers

  • 1 self-selected Seat on one Advisory Committee of choice

  • R&D Rights for Collaborative Projects and Proprietary Projects

  • Annual Project Funding Budget can fund projects worth up to 1.5 times cash dues

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

General Participation (Academia & Non-Profit)

Features of Membership

  • Negotiable IP Rights

  • Negotiable Project Funding Budget

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts

OTHER

Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Member (Industry)

Features of Membership

  • Negotiable seat on one Advisory Committee

  • Negotiable IP Rights

  • Project Funding Budget determined by Project agreement

  • Access to collaborative opportunities for solving R&D and manufacturing challenges as well as insights from world experts