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.