The University of Florida's Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) is opening a shop in NeoCity. This move signals a commitment to enhancing semiconductor technology research, development, and innovation. Specifically, FSI is carving out a niche in NeoCity's burgeoning tech landscape, with offices dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chip manufacturing, including advanced packaging technologies crucial to advancing industry standards.
FSI's new setup in NeoCity was shared during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured University of Florida’s Dr. David Arnold and Osceola County leaders like Commissioner Cheryl Grieb and County Manager Don Fisher. In a statement detailed by Osceola County, Dr. Arnold highlighted the collaborative potential of the new location: "FSI exists to serve the entire state, and NeoCity is the epicenter for scale-up of chip manufacturing, particularly around advanced packaging." There's a vision shared by FSI and local stakeholders that the institute will not only work with existing industry leaders like SkyWater, imec, and TEL but also attract new companies and support innovative startups.
Commissioner Grieb expressed optimism about this collaboration's impact on the region. "This is yet another example of the collaboration that enables NeoCity to serve as the hub for statewide efforts in microelectronics and chips," she said in an Osceola County press release. The partnership is poised to bolster the local workforce with skilled jobs while driving technological advancements in the semiconductor sector.
The University of Florida's establishment at NeoCity is more than just a new office space – it's a strategic move to enrich the region’s technological ecosystem and economic prospects. With FSI's expertise, the area aims to strengthen its position in global semiconductor markets. The institute will focus on collaborative efforts covering the whole gamut from research and development to workforce education and translating lab discoveries into real-world applications. In doing this, Osceola County is leveraging its 500-acre technology district as a springboard for both local quality of life and broader economic considerations.
