Microchip Technology’s Armenian office has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for an export license authorising the use of advanced technology under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 3E001 and related high-performance hardware under ECCN 3A001.a.7.b.
Such authorisation requires companies to demonstrate rigorous compliance with US export regulations, including clear definition of permitted end uses, controlled access to sensitive technology, and robust internal compliance safeguards. The license enables Microchip to securely and responsibly develop advanced semiconductor technologies in Armenia within the global regulatory framework.
“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.”
In practical terms, the authorisation allows approved Armenia-based personnel to access and work with specified controlled technology for authorised research and development programs, subject to US export-control regulations, Microchip’s internal compliance processes, technology-control procedures, training requirements, and access restrictions.
“This represents a crucial precedent and a significant step toward strengthening Armenia’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain. 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. It opens new opportunities for innovation and collaboration with partners such as Microchip Armenia,” said Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia. “This achievement is a tangible outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding on Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors signed between Armenia and the United States on 8th August, 2025, subsequent agreements with high-level government officials, ongoing coordination of the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and an effective public-private partnership. It further reinforces Armenia’s role as an emerging hub for high-tech development.”
The company’s presence in Armenia was established through the acquisition of Instigate Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Instigate Holding, in 2023. Since then, its local workforce has expanded by 43% with offices in four key locations across the country – Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Ijevan – and a focus on hardware and software development, application engineering and customer support under Microchip’s FPGA business unit.
