Intel Labs will invest $100 million in U.S. university research over the next five years, the chipmaker according to published reports.

Intel will open Intel Science and Technology Centers (ISTC) across multiple universities, focusing on projects in areas "that align with the company's research agenda including visual computing, mobility, security and embedded solutions," the company said, according to a CNET report.

The new investment model is expected to result in U.S. researchers receiving up to five times more funding from Intel Labs when compared to the investment model Intel has used to date.

Citing President Obama's State of the Union address Justin Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer, said universities are struggling with research dollars amid the economic recession. "Universities have been hard hit. This is intended to help the universities move beyond the recession and be part of the recovery," he said.  More here.