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Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine

The NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine (Florida), led by the International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research (ICAMR Inc., doing business as BRIDG), is accelerating the United States' capability to design and manufacture advanced packaging for semiconductor chips, rooting a vital industry on American shores and securing national defense 

Map showing the region of service for the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, Osceola County, Florida, and surrounding counties
Addressing a critical U.S. need: Semiconductors are central to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. Every major industry in the world relies on their availability to produce and advance critical technologies. While America leads the world in chip design, the vast majority of semiconductors are manufactured and packaged in other countries, leaving the nation vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, economic instability and national security risks.

The Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine is establishing a U.S. industrial base for advanced chip production and packaging, an emerging set of techniques that allow manufacturers to produce and assemble chips in new ways that are vital to advances in artificial intelligence, computing, military technologies and more. With an extensive network of cross-sector partners and an unprecedented fabrication facility owned by Osceola County, the NSF Engine is growing into a thriving hub for one of the most critical industries in the country and is equally committed to developing a world-class workforce to meet those development and manufacturing needs. 

Year 1 impacts:

  • Accelerating innovation: The Central Florida Engine fueled five use-inspired research projects within their coalition of partners, which are advancing technologies in semiconductor packaging, security and microelectronics systems designed to work in extreme environments.
  • Attracting additional investment: Securing $2.5 million in new financial and in-kind resources, the Central Florida Engine is lining up add-on investments to support ongoing advanced chip packaging research and production.
  • Expanding and training the future workforce: The Central Florida Engine funded the first associate of science degree in semiconductor engineering technology in Florida at Valencia College, with plans to launch in the fall of 2025 and expand to all state colleges.
  • Growing the local economy: In partnership with Osceola County, the Central Florida Engine has drawn important businesses to the region. One of these is semiconductor manufacturer ELSPES, which is building a $470 million manufacturing facility and establishing its world headquarters in NeoCity, the Central Florida Engine's technology district. They also activated a promising partnership with SkyWater Technologies to accelerate access to domestic development and manufacturing services for microelectronics advanced packaging.
  • Supporting America's veterans: The Central Florida Engine values the contributions of veterans and relies on their specific expertise and leadership skills to inform their semiconductor ecosystem efforts. Both veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. military serve in leadership roles in the Central Florida Engine, including executive leadership, grants management, research and development technology translation and ecosystem building.

Additional information

Lead organization: ICAMR Inc., doing business as BRIDG — economic development organization.

Region of service: Osceola County, Florida, and surrounding counties (Central Florida).

NSF award: NSF-2315320 

Key technology areas
Advanced computing and semiconductors, advanced materials, advanced communications, advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies, artificial intelligence, data and cybersecurity, robotics and advanced manufacturing, quantum information science and technology.

 

Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine website
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