The power of partnership drives us

 

NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine

Welcome to NeoCity, the site of one of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) inaugural Regional Innovation Engines. Led by BRIDG, the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine brings together major Central Florida research institutions, local government, nonprofits, and economic and workforce development partners that play key roles in growing the diversity of the local economy and driving investment into the region.

 

Driving Regional Economic Growth

NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine will drive economic growth in the regional ecosystem around semiconductors. This effort leverages R1 universities, leading international R&D organizations to coordinate use-inspired research that will lead to translatable innovations designed to have an immediate impact in commercial spaces. In particular, the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine has direct and immediate use in extreme environments like aerospace and defense, resulting in synergies with NASA, defense, and other aerospace industries, all of which are primarily located within a 60-mile radius of NeoCity.

 

Driving Commercial Impact

The NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine will take advantage of the proximity of businesses to research institutes to ensure that research is use-inspired and ready to translate into the market.

 

Driving a Diverse Workforce

As the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine builds the ecosystem for growth and demand for workers, we are building a dynamic regional workforce pipeline that will fill these good jobs. Spearheaded by Valencia College, CareerSource Central Florida, and the Orlando Economic Partnership, this effort leverages the strength and innovation of the Florida College System, State University System, and CareerSource (statewide workforce investment) within the context of the economic development efforts and regional insights of the National Chamber of the Year (2023). With a multitude of on- and off-ramps, workers have opportunities to launch into a career in as little as six weeks through Valencia’s Accelerated Skills Training or pursue a graduate degree at one of the State University Systems as they standup degrees in semiconductor cluster.

Expected Outcomes

Partnership

Learn how you can connect with the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine and be a part of driving innovation. 

Research and Innovation

Research is driven by use in the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine. Learn more about our exciting inaugural portfolio of research programs and projects

Industry and Business

Create startups and small businesses and expand businesses by the development and advancement of critical technologies and innovations.

Workforce Development

Florida boasts one of the most innovative and impactful education and workforce systems in the country. Learn how we are harnessing that power for the semiconductor industry.

Culture of DEIA

Embody a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), operationalized through Broad-based Prosperity®, through the NeoCity Engine leadership team and direct Engine activities.

Sustainability and Longevity

Integrate sustainability by a) Increasing the level of industrial and commercial investment in R&D and workforce development activities within the Central Florida region, b) Meeting the evolving regional workforce needs, and c) Developing new revenue streams through the creation of startup ventures, products, and other innovative business models.

Inclusive Economic Growth

Prioritize and practice intentional inclusive economic growth opportunities that create community across the region for stakeholders in and beyond the Engine, specifically focusing on Broad-based Prosperity®.

AWARDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL

AWARDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL
OCFL

NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine Kickoff Meeting

CareerSource Central Florida: Workforce Development in Osceola County

NSF Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine Kickoff Meeting

CareerSource Central Florida: Workforce Development in Osceola County

Leadership

Tawny Olore

Engine CEO, BRIDG

[email protected]

Dr. John Allgair

Engine CTO and Co-PI, BRIDG

[email protected]

Jenn Dougherty

Grants Administration Manager

[email protected]

Latest news from our Engine

Florida-based team looks to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the state

September 25, 2024

University of Florida officials and other key partners of the U.S. National Science Foundation Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine will gather near Kissimmee, Florida, Tuesday for an NSF Engines site visit. The regional coalition aims to boost the state’s semiconductor talent, infrastructure, and research to enhance national security and drive economic growth.

TAWNY OLORE NAMED CEO OF NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ENGINES AT NEOCITY, OSCEOLA COUNTY’S 500-ACRE TECH CAMPUS

Jul 9, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced Tawny Olore, P.E., as the new CEO of the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine. Led by BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in advanced system integration and packaging, the Engine is dedicated to inclusive regional economic development. Ms. Olore, a seasoned expert in development and project launches in Central Florida, will spearhead this innovative, collaborative, and technology-driven initiative at Osceola County’s 500-acre technology campus, NeoCity.

NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine
Announces New Engine Chief Executive Officer

July 8, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines: Central Florida
Semiconductor Innovation Engine (the Engine) led by BRIDG—a not-for-profit, public-private partnership
specializing in advanced system integration and packaging and focused on inclusive regional economic
development—has named Tawny Olore, P.E., a veteran of development and launching new projects in
Central Florida, as its new NSF Engine CEO.

NeoCity Leaders Gear Up Future STEM Workforce Pipeline

Jun 21, 2024

Metro Orlando — which has drawn more than $500 million in federal, state and local funding in the past two years for Osceola County’s NeoCity — will see some of that money invested into bolstering the local workforce training pipeline for STEM jobs.

Albany Inno: 3 Reasons Why Orlando’s NeoCity is America’s Next Semiconductor Hub

Apr 1, 2024

It might be surprising to learn that there is an emerging advanced semiconductor manufacturing cluster nestled in the heart of the Orlando region. But for the innovative companies that call Orlando home, it’s a well-known fact that the area known as NeoCity leads the charge in shaping the future of semiconductor technology.

Central Florida Wins Inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award for up to $15M Over Two Years with Potential to Receive up to $160M Over 10 Years

January 29, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced that Central Florida was selected as one of the 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines). NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for the next two years. NSF’s initial $150 million investment into these 10 regions is being matched nearly two to one by commitments from state and local governments, other federal agencies, philanthropy, and private industry.

NSF establishes 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines across the country

January 29, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation today established the first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines), awarding 10 teams spanning 18 states. With a potential NSF investment of nearly $1.6 billion over the next decade, NSF Engines represent one of the single largest broad investments in place-based research and development in the nation’s history – uniquely placing science and technology leadership as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness.

Congressman Soto Announces New Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine at NeoCity

January 29, 2024

Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced that BRIDG’s Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine at NeoCity was named one of 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines by the National Science Foundation. Each NSF Engine will initially receive up to $15 million for two years.

WFTV 9 News – Valencia College Robotics Program Looking to Fill Jobs Needs in Central Florida

Dec 4, 2023

Monday morning, Channel 9 took a closer look at Valencia College’s Advanced Robotics Factory. The school’s Robotics and Semiconductor Training Program is looking to provide students with the skills to be successful in the industry. An industry they say has a lot of job openings to fill.

WESH 2 – Valencia College’s New Lab is Training Students to Become Semiconductor and Robotics Technicians

Dec 4, 2023

Valencia College has a new lab that’s preparing students for jobs in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Spectrum News 13 – Valencia College Opens New Semiconductor Manufacturing Lab

Dec 4, 2023

New efforts are underway to expand Central Florida’s semiconductor industry as the area aims to grow as a major tech hub.

County and state officials say the economic impact of manufacturing microchips would be significant to Osceola County, providing high-paying jobs and creating long-term residents within this community.

Orlando Business Journal – Valencia College to Ramp Up Semiconductor Education Opportunities

Dec 04, 2023

The college plans to expand a program tied to robotics education for the industy.

Requests for Proposals & Open Positions

Interested in learning more about how to engage with the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine? Let’s connect!

Location

BRIDG
194 NeoCity Way
NeoCity, FL 34744

NSF award: NSF-2315320

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.