Intel, IBM and several other major tech players will collectively invest $4.4 billion into two research and development projects in upstate New York. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the five-year investment plans yesterday.

The first project will be led by IBM and will focus on creating two generations of computer chips. The second project will be a joint effort between Intel, IBM, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Globalfoundaries and Samsung. This project will move existing 300mm wafer manufacturing technology to a more efficient 450mm process. The larger wafers are capable of producing about twice as many chips as current 300mm technology which is said to make production cheaper and faster.

The governor says the investment will create or retain nearly 7,000 jobs in the area, including 2,500 additional jobs at various existing tech complexes.

"This investment will have other beneficial economic impacts. The project will include a private 'Made in NY' initiative to support the potential purchase of $400 million in certain tools and equipment from companies around New York State to create, attract, and retain manufacturers and suppliers across the state," Cuomo said.

The report notes that no private company will receive funding as part of the project but New York State will invest $400 million into the SUNY College for Nanoscale and Science.

New York State has long been a hotbed for tech research and development led by IBM and Globalfoundaries. According to CNET, IBM has been manufacturing and developing emerging technology in the region for several years.

Cuomo made headlines two years ago as New York Attorney General when he filed an antitrust case against Intel. At the time, he claimed that Intel pressured PC manufacturers into limiting their use of AMD processors. The NY Daily News says that case is still pending.