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The AI + Semiconductor Accelerator and Global Design Center will attract entrepreneurs worldwide, establishing Phoenix as a strategic gateway for AI-driven chip innovation, startup growth, and advanced manufacturing.

On September 17, 2025, Tesoro Venture Capital announced landmark startup initiatives in Phoenix, AZ, where it will serve as the lead operator to oversee accelerator programs and design-center operations. Tesoro Venture Capital will collaborate closely with industry partners, including TSMC, Cadence, and Amkor, as well as the City of Phoenix and Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), to drive the growth of the AI and semiconductor ecosystem through:

1. The Global AI + Semiconductor Startup Hub – a purpose-built accelerator designed to launch and scale 40–60 deep-tech startups annually.
2. The Global Semiconductor Design Center – an advanced chip design and prototyping facility co-developed with Cadence.

Tesoro’s AI + Semi Accelerator is a launchpad for high-potential startups advancing AI and chip innovation. Working closely with ecosystem partners, Tesoro delivers an end-to-end pathway — from design and prototyping to packaging and high-volume manufacturing — helping founders shorten development cycles and scale breakthrough technologies. By anchoring this innovation pipeline in Phoenix, the initiative strengthens U.S. competitiveness and advances national leadership in critical AI and semiconductor technologies.

• Startup Acceleration: Providing startups with access to capital, mentorship, and industry partners to speed development and scale breakthrough technology companies.
• Innovation Capacity: Startups gain immediate access to Cadence’s AI-driven, industry-leading semiconductor and system design solutions, 3D-IC and advanced packaging technology enablement, and accelerated compute resources. They also benefit from TSMC’s industry-leading process technologies, Amkor’s robust state-of-the-art advanced packaging and test solutions, and Phoenix’s innovation ecosystem that connects talent, infrastructure, and industry leadership.
• High-Skill Job Creation: Hundreds of specialized engineering, design, and support roles will be created across the Greater Phoenix region.
• University Collaboration: Tesoro and its partners will work with leading universities worldwide to convert research breakthroughs into high-growth spinouts through tech transfer and proof-of-concept funding. The initiative will expand access for students, researchers, and spinouts to world-class design and manufacturing capabilities.

• Global Reach: Tesoro will curate a worldwide pipeline of startups and spinouts — spanning the U.S., Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America — providing them a direct pathway to design, prototyping, and manufacturing, while enabling them to scale and become the next generation of AI + semiconductor leaders.

Tesoro will officially launch its inaugural startup cohort in February 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for AI and semiconductor innovation. This first group of founders will gain direct access to Tesoro’s world-class ecosystem—spanning design, prototyping, manufacturing, and global market entry—while working alongside strategic partners including TSMC, Cadence, and Amkor. By combining acceleration, strategic capital, and deep industry integration, Tesoro’s February 2026 launch will set the foundation for building the next generation of transformative technology companies.

Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix
“Phoenix is a global semiconductor and tech hub, and today’s announcement further cements our status,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Collaborating with Tesoro, TSMC, Cadence, Amkor and our university partners accelerates our already significant bevy of cutting-edge technology companies investing in our region and the high-quality, middle-class jobs you can raise a family on that come with them.”

Tom Beckley, Senior Vice President, Cadence
“We’re excited to partner with Tesoro and industry leaders to power startups with Cadence’s world-class design tools. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem that accelerates AI, semiconductor and systems innovation vital to U.S. leadership. As a global leader in electronic design automation, Cadence is committed to giving startups cutting-edge technologies and solutions trusted by the world’s top semiconductor companies.”

Lucas Tsai, Vice President, Emerging Business Management, TSMC North America
“Startups are a vital source of innovation. Since its inception, TSMC has empowered startups across the industry by providing access to our cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing capacity to help them grow and succeed. We will continue to collaborate with industry partners like Tesoro to nurture next-generation semiconductor startups globally, driving exciting innovations and fueling significant growth across the semiconductor industry.”

Kevin Kan, Senior Vice President, Amkor Technology
“We’re proud to partner with Tesoro, TSMC, and Cadence to create a complete pathway for startups ready to scale. With Amkor’s advanced packaging and test capabilities, we ensure that breakthrough AI and semiconductor designs can transition into reliable, high-volume products that strengthen the global supply chain.”