The funding accompanies the Engine’s advancement within the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program and reflects strong national confidence in Central Florida’s capacity to move from early-stage development to scaled impact in semiconductor innovation, commercialization, and workforce development.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine (FSE), headquartered at Osceola County’s 500-acre master-planned innovation district NeoCity, today announced its advancement into Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, which will provide up to $15 million annually over the next three years—totaling up to $45 million in new funding—to expand semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and industry growth across Central Florida.

This next phase represents a pivotal shift from early-stage development to scaled impact, building on the foundation established at the Engine’s NeoCity epicenter with a focused emphasis on technology translation, commercialization, and building a self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem. The funding reflects continued national confidence in Central Florida’s role in strengthening U.S. semiconductor competitiveness and supply chain resilience.

“Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Grant is about turning momentum into measurable outcomes.”

Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine

“We are incredibly grateful for NSF’s continued support, which we see as validation that Florida has built the research capacity and workforce infrastructure worthy of national and international investment,” said Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine. “In the year ahead, our focus will be on translating and commercializing breakthrough technologies and services for markets that grow Florida’s emerging advanced packaging and semiconductor industry.”

“The advancement of the Florida Semiconductor Engine into Phase 2 is a major validation of Central Florida’s growing role in the nation’s semiconductor future.”

Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership

“This continued NSF investment accelerates our region’s ability to commercialize innovation, attract high-value industry, and build a skilled workforce at scale,” said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP).

Over the next three years (through 2029), the Florida Semiconductor Engine will:

Advance use-inspired R&D into market-ready technologies, targeting multiple revenue-generating products

Scale commercialization pathways, including startup support and industry partnerships

Expand workforce development programs, training hundreds of participants annually and strengthening talent pipelines

Deepen regional engagement to support long-term ecosystem sustainability and job creation

Strengthen Central Florida’s position in advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging (ASP), addressing critical domestic capability gaps

The Florida Semiconductor Engine is powered by a coalition of regional and national partners, including Osceola Board of County Commissioners and NeoCity, Florida Commerce and its Secretary J. Alex Kelly, BRIDG, Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI), Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), Florida High Tech Corridor (FHTC), imec, CareerSource Central Florida, Plug and Play Semiconductors, the School District of Osceola County (SDOC), University of Central Florida (UCF), University of South Florida (USF), the University of Florida (UF), and Valencia College, all working collaboratively to build a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

“The National Science Foundation’s continued investment in the Florida Semiconductor Engine reinforces the growing ecosystem driving this work and the momentum building across our region, underscoring the critical advancements being made at NeoCity,” said Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chairman of the Florida Semiconductor Engine’s Board of Directors.

“This third year of funding reflects a strong partnership between industry, academia, and government in accelerating advanced semiconductor packaging, cultivating and growing a skilled workforce, and helping to reshore advanced semiconductor packaging while affirming Florida’s leadership in this industry.”

Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chairman of the Florida Semiconductor Engine’s Board of Directors

“The NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine has already demonstrated that it can serve as a driving force for regional innovation,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

“Collaborative partnerships, adaptability, and a strong workforce development and educational ecosystem are translating into meaningful outcomes for people across the region. The Engine is positioning Central Florida to play a key role in strengthening our nation’s critical semiconductor ecosystem.”

Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

This award includes funding through March of 2029, pending future federal budget appropriations. Based at NeoCity, the Florida Semiconductor Engine is focused on advancing advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging (ASP) through collaborative research, workforce development, and industry partnerships.

For more information about the Florida Semiconductor Engine, visit SemiconductorEngine.org.