WILMINGTON, DE — Qnity Electronics Inc. (NYSE: Q) is partnering with the University of Delaware College of Engineering to deepen its engineering talent pipeline and support semiconductor manufacturing research, as demand tied to artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced connectivity increases pressure on the industry to expand technical capabilities.
The collaboration will give University of Delaware engineering students access to Qnity-led capstone projects focused on manufacturing and operational challenges.
Qnity is also piloting an extended work-study program intended to give students direct experience with advanced manufacturing, automation projects and semiconductor-related technical work.
The partnership extends beyond workforce development. Qnity plans to work with university faculty on semiconductor materials research and use specialized facilities, including the Keck Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when industry and academia work together to solve meaningful challenges,” Qnity Chief Technology Officer Randy King said.
King, who also serves on the University of Delaware Engineering Advisory Council, framed the partnership around practical manufacturing experience and longer-term workforce development.
University officials described the arrangement as a way to connect classroom instruction, research and industry needs.
“By working with students on real manufacturing challenges, Qnity is shaping their future workforce and collaborating with faculty experts at the same time,” Jenni Buckley, associate dean for corporate engagement and entrepreneurship at UD Engineering, said.
The partnership also reflects the semiconductor sector’s broader push to build domestic engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capacity as chip demand grows across AI, computing and connectivity applications.
“Semiconductor technologies are central to the nation’s economic competitiveness and security,” Pamela M. Norris, dean of UD Engineering, said.
Qnity is using the collaboration to link student recruitment, applied research and automation work more closely with its semiconductor manufacturing operations.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.