AUSTIN, Texas — Industrial tech leader Emerson has pledged $8.5 million to the University of Texas at Austin.
According to UT Austin, the three-year partnership will support advanced research in artificial intelligence, as well as automation, energy and semiconductors.
The deal includes upgrades to UT Austin research labs and will help launch a new semiconductor science and engineering master’s degree program.
Emerson, which acquired Austin-based National Instruments in 2023, has now contributed more than $20 million to UT Austin. The company will also help fund a new signature lab in the Engineering Discovery Building, which is set to open on campus in 2026.
“Emerson has been an important partner for UT, the Cockrell School of Engineering and our chemical engineering department for decades,” said Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School and a chemical engineering faculty member. “This investment will strengthen our relationship, further elevate Austin as a national technology leader and push the boundaries of research, innovation and education in semiconductors, energy, AI, automation and more.”
As part of an effort to advance UT’s semiconductor efforts, Emerson will donate technology and equipment to modernize the Montopolis Research Center, the former Sematech facility in South Austin. That facility is being repurposed as part of a $840 million partnership with DARPA.
In addition, the company will provide funds to support the first three cohorts of students enrolled in the new 18-month Semiconductor Science and Engineering master’s program, starting fall of 2025.
“This is an exciting new chapter in Emerson’s storied history with The University of Texas at Austin as we build on our vision to accelerate automation and innovation that transforms vital industries,” said Lal Karsanbhai, president and CEO of Emerson. “As a company founded on science, engineering and technology, we look forward to working with UT to help prepare tomorrow’s workforce to solve the world’s toughest challenges.”