Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a $7.2 million investment on Wednesday to establish a semiconductor, AI, and machine learning training lab at St. Petersburg College as part of Florida’s broader strategy to lead in workforce education and reduce reliance on overseas production.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that St. Petersburg College will receive $7.2 million to create a state-of-the-art semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and machine learning training lab.

The grant consists of $3.2 million from the Job Growth Grant Fund and $4 million from the Department of Education’s Workforce Development Capitalization Grant Program. The allocated funds will be used to purchase advanced equipment, hire specialized personnel, build new facilities, and develop comprehensive training materials, the governor said.

During the announcement, DeSantis noted the importance of semiconductor production to both the economy and national security. By developing domestic production capabilities and a skilled workforce, he stated that the state seeks to reduce reliance on overseas production, particularly from regions like Taiwan, and mitigate associated risks.

“This is a national security issue. If you look at the geopolitics, particularly in the Far East … Taiwan is the number one producer in terms of supplying our economy. [It] could deter China from eventually attacking Taiwan. “DeSantis said. “I don’t know whether that’s going to happen on this trajectory, but the bottom line is, there’s a lot of uncertainty with respect to this, and this has the opportunity those chips are being produced to really crash the economy.”

This initiative is part of Florida’s broader effort to lead the nation in workforce education by 2030. The state has made previous investments in various technical training programs, including nursing, welding, HVAC, and electrical work, to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers.

The new training lab at St. Petersburg College is expected to play a role in addressing the demand for skilled workers in the tech industry. It will provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills essential for high-tech careers. Additionally, the program will expand dual enrollment opportunities, allowing high school students to earn college credits and gain technical expertise.

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, present at the announcement, reiterated the state’s commitment to offering diverse educational pathways and highlighted the high demand and lucrative opportunities in fields such as manufacturing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and construction.

“Industries like manufacturing, semiconductors, cyber, security and construction all have high demands and high wage jobs available that don’t require a four year degree,” he said. “This is why our governor has set a goal for Florida be number one in workforce by 2030 a goal that I fully expect us to meet and surpass.”

Existing infrastructure positions Florida as a burgeoning hub for the industry, compounded by an economic ripple effect culminating in each direct job in semiconductor manufacturing creating 5.7 additional jobs in related fields, according to FloridaCommerce’s 2023 manufacturing report.

Home to several semiconductor manufacturing and research facilities, including Renesas Electronics in Palm Bay, the state currently produces components used in the construction of a wide range of applications, from defense to consumer electronics.

Florida ranks as the fifth-largest state in the U.S. for employment in the semiconductor sector, providing 12,900 jobs. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis notes that the GDP from Florida’s semiconductor manufacturing surpassed $3.7 billion in 2021.

On a global scale, the semiconductor industry is projected to reach a revenue of a trillion dollars by the decade’s end. Moreover, investment in new semiconductor and electronics manufacturing facilities across the United States has seen a significant increase, doubling over the recent years.