Building Central Florida’s Semiconductor Cluster for Broad-Based Prosperity
Coalition Lead: Osceola County Board of County Commissioners
Phase 2 Award: $50.8 million
Private Investment (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2024): $12.7 million
Additional Public and Nonprofit Funding (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2024): $466 million
Project Description: Building Central Florida’s Semiconductor Cluster for Broad-Based Prosperity is a coalition leveraging a $50.8 million BBBRC grant to accelerate the growth of the specialized semiconductor cluster at NeoCity, a 500-acre technology park developed in partnership with the state of Florida. Through existing investments at NeoCity, the region has targeted low-volume, highly customized semiconductor products that would supply nearby aerospace, defense, and medical industries.
The coalition unites regional partners such as the ICAMR, Inc., Osceola County, Catalyst Osceola, UpSkill Osceola, and the University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
As of September 2024, the coalition has made significant strides in achieving its vision of building a high-value semiconductor industry:
- The Orlando Economic Partnership has worked with partners to develop the foundation for the UpSkill Osceola program, which includes workshops on skills-based hiring, developing baseline and target metrics, and engaging with employers. This effort will expand the region’s capacity to develop its workforce pipeline and training programs.
- Plug and Play, a global technology and innovation platform, launched its offices at NeoCity in March 2024, which included presentations from 10 startups relevant to semiconductor manufacturing. This partnership with Plug and Play will accelerate local innovation and entrepreneurship for chips and manufacturing.
- The coalition was selected to receive $15 million for two years and up to $160 million over 10 years as an inaugural recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. This award and designation will bolster the region’s efforts to grow innovation and economic development through advanced semiconductor manufacturing in central Florida. Additionally, the coalition has received other follow-on funding, including a contract from the Department of Defense worth up to $290 million to manufacture next-generation chips and a $17.5 million Florida Job Growth Grant to build a multi-use facility at NeoCity.
Coalition Overarching Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
“The Orlando region is cultivating a robust semiconductor industry cluster. At its heart lies Osceola County’s NeoCity, a 500-acre technology park anchored by the Center for Neovation, a hub for research, development, and advanced packaging.”
Building Central Florida’s Semiconductor Cluster for Broad-Based Prosperity
Related Links
In the News
- U.S. Department of Defense Awards up to $289 Million to Osceola County
- Plug and Play opens in Osceola County, connects industry leaders with startups
- NeoCity Officially Welcomes Tech Accelerator Plug and Play: A Milestone for High-Paying Tech Opportunities in Osceola County
- Powering Progress: Osceola County’s Semiconductor Technology Takes Leap Forward with Korean Tech Institute Signing
Additional Designations Earned in Region
