US Government Takes Ownership Stakes in Seven Semiconductor Firms to Power Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence

Washington, Friday, 31 July 2026.
On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced $874 million in federal CHIPS Act funding directed to seven semiconductor firms advancing artificial intelligence supply chains. In a significant shift for American industrial policy, the government is taking direct minority equity stakes in each private recipient—including a 1% stake in GlobalFoundries alongside holdings in firms like Aeluma and Kepler—in exchange for research subsidies. The capital targets breakthroughs in high-speed optical data transmission, advanced chip packaging, and next-generation memory architectures designed to handle intensive AI workloads. By securing non-controlling stock holdings, federal officials intend to generate direct returns for taxpayers while safeguarding critical domestic technology infrastructure. This strategic expansion of state-backed corporate equity reflects an increasingly interventionist approach to securing vital microchip supply lines against global competition.