Florida Semiconductor Engine at to NeoCity Advances to Phase 2, Bringing Up to $45 Million in NSF Funding

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The National Science Foundation’s Florida Semiconductor Engine (FSE), headquartered at NeoCity in Osceola County, has advanced to Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, unlocking up to $45 million in federal funding over the next three years to support semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and industry growth across Central Florida.

The funding, which includes up to $15 million annually through 2029, marks a transition from early-stage development to a focus on commercialization, technology deployment, and long-term economic impact.

Officials say the move underscores growing national confidence in Central Florida’s role in strengthening the United States’ semiconductor supply chain and global competitiveness.

“Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Grant is about turning momentum into measurable outcomes,” said Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine. “We are grateful for NSF’s continued support, which reflects the strength of Florida’s research capacity and workforce infrastructure. Our focus now is on translating breakthrough technologies into market-ready solutions that drive industry growth.”

Based at NeoCity, a 500-acre master-planned innovation district, the Florida Semiconductor Engine is positioned at the center of regional efforts to expand advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging—an area considered critical to national security and economic stability.

Over the next three years, the initiative will prioritize advancing research into commercially viable technologies, supporting startup development, expanding industry partnerships, and training hundreds of workers annually to meet increasing workforce demands.

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher, who also serves as chairman of the Florida Semiconductor Engine’s Board of Directors, said the continued investment reflects strong regional collaboration.

“This funding highlights the momentum building across our region and the strength of partnerships between industry, academia, and government,” Fisher said. “It will help accelerate innovation, grow a skilled workforce, and further position Central Florida as a leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.”

The Florida Semiconductor Engine is supported by a network of regional and national partners, including the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, BRIDG, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, the Orlando Economic Partnership, CareerSource Central Florida, the School District of Osceola County, and higher education institutions such as the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of Florida, and Valencia College.

Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships at the National Science Foundation, said the program is already demonstrating measurable impact through collaboration and workforce development.

The Phase 2 award includes funding through March 2029, pending future federal appropriations.

Officials say the continued expansion of the Florida Semiconductor Engine at NeoCity is expected to drive job creation, strengthen talent pipelines, and support long-term economic growth throughout Osceola County and the broader Central Florida region.