Media Advisory: U of A to hold ribbon cutting for $35.5M cleanroom expansion

Feb. 12, 2026

Media Advisory: U of A to hold ribbon cutting for $35.5M cleanroom expansion

What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the cleanroom at the University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships' Nanofabrication Core Facility
When: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 1-4:30 p.m.
Where: Electrical and Computer Engineering Building, 1230 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. to celebrate the $35.5 million expansion of the Nanofabrication Core Facility's cleanroom, part of the Office of Research and Partnerships' Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing.

"We are so thankful for the strategic investment by the Arizona Commerce Authority that allowed us to transform one of our core research facilities," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships. "By advancing semiconductor innovation, the new Nanofabrication Core Facility will support secure research critical to national security and strengthen Arizona's position as a national leader in one of the most consequential industries of our time."

The event starts at 1 p.m. Featured speakers include University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella; Sandra Waston, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; and David W. Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering. A video message from Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs will be shown during the event.

Cleanrooms are essential to semiconductor research and manufacturing to prevent microscopic contaminants from damaging or destroying highly sensitive microchips. The cleanroom also serves as a proving ground for students entering the tech sector.

The Nanofabrication Core Facility supports manufacturing and research efforts in semiconductors, computer chips, optical devices and quantum computing systems. The open, user-friendly facility offers industrial space and facilities, device processing, and characterization equipment to researchers from academia, federal agencies and the private sector.

Following the speaking portion of the program, additional media opportunities will be available until 4:30 p.m., including:

Exterior tour of the 6,500 square-foot cleanroom
Demonstration of the digital twin cleanroom for undergraduate training
Guided tour, with AR headset demonstrations, of the augmented reality classroom
Post-tour reception with Dean Hahn for interviews

For more information on the Nanofabrication Core Facility or other Office of Research and Partnerships research resources, visit research.arizona.edu or cores.arizona.edu.

Media contact:
Alex Pere
College of Engineering
alexandrapere@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.