The Rochester Institute of Technology is receiving $2 million to upgrade its 10,000-square-foot semiconductor and microsystems fabrication laboratory.

The money will be used to purchase equipment and instrumentation to update and expand the facility.

“The upgrade of our laboratory facilities, for our students and researchers, will further strengthen our ability to help drive the U.S. to a leadership position in the semiconductor manufacturing industry,” RIT President David Munson said in a statement. “Semiconductor research and development underpins critical technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to biomedical sensors. It is essential that government, business, and educational institutions continue on a collaborative path to assure a reliable supply of leading-edge chips that will enable a prosperous and secure future.”

“For generations, Rochester has been synonymous with technology, knowledge, and entrepreneurship—and now with this funding, we are investing in what makes our community special and beginning a new chapter of growth and opportunity,” Congressman Joe Morelle said in a statement. “By advancing our local semiconductor industry, we are not only strengthening the future of our workforce and our economy, we are bolstering our global competitiveness with China when it’s needed most. I am proud to have secured this funding and look forward to our continued work together with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to further cement Rochester’s place as a global leader in innovation and create long-term economic stability for our region.”

The laboratory serves as a teaching lab, workforce development training center and corporate test site.