Microchip Technology announced that its Armenia engineering operation has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for an export license authorizing the use of advanced semiconductor technology and related high-performance hardware for FPGA development activities.
According to the company, the approval enables Microchip’s Armenia-based engineering teams to participate in the development of advanced FPGA technologies while operating within U.S. export control requirements. The authorization covers technology classified under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 3E001 and related hardware under ECCN 3A001.a.7.b., allowing approved personnel to access specified controlled technologies for authorized research and development programs.
Microchip said the license was granted following demonstration of compliance measures including controlled access to sensitive technology, defined end-use requirements, technology-control procedures, employee training programs, and internal compliance safeguards.
“As the only multinational semiconductor company in Armenia to receive a site license from BIS, this approval highlights our commitment to high-value semiconductor innovation through strong global operations and solidifies our support of the region’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem,” said Shakeel Peera, vice president of Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “The license enables our Armenia engineering team to participate in the development of advanced FPGA technologies while meeting the rigorous compliance standards required for controlled engineering work.”
The approval expands the role of Microchip’s Armenia operation within the company’s global FPGA development efforts. The company noted that approved engineers in Armenia will be able to work with designated controlled technologies associated with advanced electronic and FPGA development while adhering to export-control regulations and internal security procedures.
Officials in Armenia also highlighted the significance of the authorization for the country’s growing semiconductor industry.
“This represents a crucial precedent and a significant step toward strengthening Armenia’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia. “The approval of the export license reduces barriers, supporting broader participation for Armenia’s engineering talent in advanced chip design, full-complexity development and validation processes.”
Microchip’s FPGA portfolio includes the PolarFire® family of low-power FPGAs and SoCs as well as programmable logic devices targeting industrial, communications, automotive, aerospace and defense, AI/ML, and embedded computing applications. The company said the expanded development capabilities in Armenia will strengthen collaboration across its global engineering organization and support future semiconductor innovation efforts.
Microchip established its presence in Armenia through its 2023 acquisition of Instigate Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Instigate Holding. Since the acquisition, the company reports that its workforce in the country has grown by 43 percent.
Today, Microchip operates facilities in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Ijevan, supporting hardware and software development, application engineering, and customer support activities within the company’s FPGA business unit.
The announcement reflects both Microchip’s continued investment in global engineering resources and Armenia’s efforts to establish itself as a growing center for semiconductor and advanced technology development.
