ATX-NCA: Impact 12/11/2025

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Top Story

UT Austin wins $4.8M semiconductor grant for metrology facility

The University of Texas at Austin is receiving a $4.8 million state grant for a new local semiconductor lab, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Dec. 10.

The details: The multimillion-dollar Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund award will support UT Austin's establishment of the QLab, described as a quantum-enhanced semiconductor facility focused on metrology, or measurement science. The QLab metrology facility is meant to support UT’s academic research and serve the semiconductors and quantum industries in Texas. Abbott noted metrology is “critical” to semiconductor manufacturing given the scale of materials measured through the process.

The UT Austin grant is the latest TSIF award that's contributed to regional initiatives, including Samsung's expansive Taylor fabrication plant and other Central Texas facilities. UT has also moved to establish a Taylor campus near the future Samsung plant and launch a new semiconductor master's program.

Read the full story.

CI Business

Check out 9 North Austin restaurant and business openings, updates

Stay up to date with the latest North Austin business news—a collection of newly opened, coming soon, relocations and closings.

Now open
Prototype Vintage
The vintage clothing store, also found off South Congress Avenue, is now open in the North Loop neighborhood. The opening of the shop’s second location also marks 20 years for the business, co-owned by locals Audrie San Miguel and Emily Larson.

123 E. North Loop Blvd., Austin

In the news
La La Land Kind Cafe
A new La La Land Kind Cafe location is slated to take over the former coffee shop Stinson’s. According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, remodeling of the building is set to wrap up in February 2026.

4416 Burnet Road, Austin

Closings
Recycled Reads
Austin Public Library is closing the Recycled Reads location in North Austin as a result of cuts in the 2025-2026 city budget proposal. The library has already begun moving operations from the used bookstore to library branches.