Osceola’s ‘Coffee and Conversation’ at NeoCity Announces Latest in National Science Foundation Award to Advance Semiconductor Ecosystem
Osceola County, Florida – A new name but a continued mission to build a regional ecosystem across 23 counties headquartered at Osceola County’s NeoCity was the focus of Tuesday’s “Coffee and Conversation” at the 500-acre master-planned campus.
Headlining the fireside-style chat featuring innovation leaders: The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine is now the NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine. The new identity, including a website, was unveiled by Tawny Olore, P.E., CEO of the Engine.
Following the event, community members gathered to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Engine’s offices at NeoCity.
As part of its strategic vision to improve the lives of residents, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners invested in establishing an ecosystem at NeoCity around advanced packaging and semiconductors.
Brandon Arrington, Vice Chairman of the Osceola County Commission
“NeoCity is proof that world-changing innovation can happen right here in Osceola County. The Board’s bold vision, combined with collaboration from a multitude of partners helped secure one of the most competitive awards in the country from the National Science Foundation. What we’re celebrating today represents more than bricks and mortar, it’s the result of years of thoughtful leadership and smart investment. This moment marks a new chapter and I can’t wait to see what we create together next.”
The NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine strives to transform the U.S. semiconductor advanced and specialty packaging industry through collaborative research and translation innovations, building the most advanced technical workforce and creating regional economic prosperity.
“The NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine represents a significant step in building a statewide semiconductor ecosystem and advancing Florida’s economy,” said Tawny Olore, CEO of the Engine. “It’s exciting to see our vision continue to grow and witness the expansion of industry and community partners contributing to a thriving Engine.”
The NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award was announced in 2024. The Engine was selected as one of 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovations Engines, receiving up to $15 million in initial funding with the potential to receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
Headquartered at NeoCity, the Florida Semiconductor Engine currently covers a region of service that includes Florida’s I-4 corridor, and spans from Tampa Bay through Orlando and to the Space Coast.
The newly launched website, SemiconductorEngine.org, developed with the Orlando Economic Partnership, showcases a collaborative network of organizations, institutions, and individuals working to position Florida as a global leader in semiconductor advanced and specialty semiconductor packaging.
“This milestone reflects years of dedicated efforts to establish Florida as a leader in semiconductor innovation. As our region faced major unemployment during the Great Recession, I was honored to join the Osceola County Commission in their vision to diversify our local economy and create NeoCity,” said Congressman Darren Soto, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 9th District. “ In Congress, we’ve worked together to secure over $500 million in federal funds from Build Back Better initiatives, as well as Cornerstone and NSF Engine program funding over the next 10 years. I’m proud to see this initiative grow, fostering collaboration that strengthens our economy and reinforces national security.”
“The launch of this new brand, vision, and website highlights the building momentum of our region’s efforts to cultivate a world-leading semiconductor and microelectronics research, development, and manufacturing industry cluster. The OEP is thrilled to support the NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine and its transformative mission to catalyze economic prosperity, bolster national security, build supply chain resilience, and enable domestic semiconductor innovation.”
By creating a statewide semiconductor ecosystem, the Engine is laying the foundation for sustainable growth, high-paying jobs and technological leadership. As it continues to unite public and private partners, Florida is set to play a key role in advancing the nation’s competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.
About the NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Florida Semiconductor Engine strives to transform the U.S. semiconductor advanced and specialty packaging industry through collaborative research and translation innovations, building the most advanced technical workforce and creating regional economic prosperity.
About Osceola County and NeoCity
Osceola County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. It is a dynamic and innovative community focused on a vision to be the center of research and manufacturing innovation of a regional economy and in doing so, it aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents using responsible resource management, innovative public services, and community engagement.
NeoCity is the County’s 500-acre master planned campus focused on advanced technology and microelectronics. It has received critical funding from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the Florida Department of Commerce. In addition to the Florida Semiconductor Engine, NeoCity is home to SkyWater Technology, imec USA, BRIDG, the University of Florida’s Florida Semiconductor Institute, Plug and Play, Seoul National University, TEL, SUSS MicroTec and LocatorX.
Furthermore, the Osceola County School District’s NeoCity Academy, located next to the 109,000-square-foot fab (Center for Neovation), has reaped kudos in a just a few years: the No. 1 public high school in Central Florida, 11th in the state and top 100 in the nation, as well as recognition as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. It works with partners at NeoCity to provide internships for the high school students to work on site.
To learn more about NeoCity, visit https://www.neocityfl.com/
Media Contacts:
Tyler Winik
tyler.winik@osceola.org
Gloria Lequang
glequang@semiconductorengine.org
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