• Florida’s semiconductor industry is receiving a $28 million funding boost from federal grants to enhance workforce development in chip manufacturing, focusing on educational programs.
• Grants are awarded to colleges and technology centers across the state, including Osceola County’s NeoCity and Valencia College, to expand semiconductor and advanced manufacturing programs.
• The grants will be administered through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

Florida’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry is slated to receive a $28 million grant funding boost through a series of grants as part of the federal CHIPS and Science Act.

The allocations will be administered through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand semiconductor manufacturing and chip manufacturing through five workforce development projects, primarily through education resources.

Osceola County’s NeoCity receives the largest grant of $17.5 million for a semiconductor lab facility expected to foster high-tech startups and enhance semiconductor production. Valencia College is granted $4.17 million to expand its Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program, while Santa Fe College will receive $3 million for a new associate degree in engineering technology with an Advanced Manufacturing specialty.

Lake Technical College plans to use a $1.86 million grant to grow its semiconductor program and start a new advanced manufacturing program. Eastern Florida State College, with $1.55 million, plans to establish a Center for Innovative Technology Education, focusing on robotics and simulation technician training.

“Today’s awards will expand Florida’s manufacturing industry and provide high-quality jobs for Floridians,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we are laying the groundwork for a strong economic future by investing in growing, high-demand industries that offer high-wage jobs for our residents.”

Last month, the University of Florida’s (UF) Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering announced its creation of the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI), aimed at providing coordination within Florida’s burgeoning semiconductor industry.

According to the university, FSI will serve as a hub for coordinating activities related to the development and manufacturing of microchips in Florida. It will also advise the state and promote public-private partnerships to support the industry in the state.

The FSI’s founding comes following a series of federal investments to revitalize the state’s semiconductor manufacturing industry in the United States and advance chip technology research.