The funding accompanies the Engine\u2019s advancement within the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program and reflects strong national confidence in Central Florida\u2019s capacity to move from early-stage development to scaled impact in semiconductor innovation, commercialization, and workforce development.<\/p>\n
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine (FSE)<\/a>, headquartered at Osceola County\u2019s 500-acre master-planned innovation district NeoCity<\/a>, today announced its advancement into Phase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program<\/a>, which will provide up to $15 million annually over the next three years\u2014totaling up to $45 million in new funding\u2014to expand semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and industry growth across Central Florida.<\/p>\n This next phase represents a pivotal shift from early-stage development to scaled impact, building on the foundation established at the Engine\u2019s 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\u2019s role in strengthening U.S. semiconductor competitiveness and supply chain resilience.<\/p>\n \u201cPhase 2 of the NSF Regional Innovation Grant is about turning momentum into measurable outcomes.\u201d <\/p>\n Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine<\/p>\n \u201cWe are incredibly grateful for NSF\u2019s continued support, which we see as validation that Florida has built the research capacity and workforce infrastructure worthy of national and international investment,\u201d said Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine. \u201cIn the year ahead, our focus will be on translating and commercializing breakthrough technologies and services for markets that grow Florida\u2019s emerging advanced packaging and semiconductor industry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe advancement of the Florida Semiconductor Engine into Phase 2 is a major validation of Central Florida\u2019s growing role in the nation\u2019s semiconductor future.\u201d<\/p>\n Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership<\/p>\n \u201cThis continued NSF investment accelerates our region\u2019s ability to commercialize innovation, attract high-value industry, and build a skilled workforce at scale,\u201d said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP).<\/p>\n Over the next three years (through 2029), the Florida Semiconductor Engine will:<\/p>\n Advance use-inspired R&D into market-ready technologies, targeting multiple revenue-generating products<\/p>\n Scale commercialization pathways, including startup support and industry partnerships<\/p>\n Expand workforce development programs, training hundreds of participants annually and strengthening talent pipelines<\/p>\n Deepen regional engagement to support long-term ecosystem sustainability and job creation<\/p>\n Strengthen Central Florida\u2019s position in advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging (ASP), addressing critical domestic capability gaps<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe National Science Foundation\u2019s 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,\u201d said Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chairman of the Florida Semiconductor Engine\u2019s Board of Directors.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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\u2019s leadership in this industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chairman of the Florida Semiconductor Engine\u2019s Board of Directors<\/p>\n \u201cThe NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine has already demonstrated that it can serve as a driving force for regional innovation,\u201d said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. <\/p>\n \u201cCollaborative 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\u2019s critical semiconductor ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n