Last week, the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine (the Engine) hosted a two-day site visit for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) near Kissimmee, Florida. During the visit, partners shared their progress toward the collective vision for the Engine and highlighted its newly constructed facilities and research labs.
The NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine is one of 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines and the only one with a semiconductor focus. The program aims to boost the state’s semiconductor talent, infrastructure, and research to enhance national security and drive economic growth. The Engine comprises partners from BRIDG, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, imec, CareerSource Central Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor, the Orlando Economic Partnership, Osceola County, and Valencia College.
From the University of Florida is a group of 10 researchers, led by Yong-Kyu Yoon, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, who are working closely with the Engine.
On the first day of the site visit, activities took place at NeoCity in Osceola County. NSF representatives participated in a series of roundtable discussions and toured the new Design Center and NSF Engine offices currently under construction at the OC office building. They also visited the recently expanded NeoCity Academy, a STEM magnet high school, the Center for Neovation fabrication facility, and Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs on the Osceola Campus.
The second day began at the Central Florida Research Park, the fourth largest research park in the nation and home to the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training. This day included tours of the semiconductor digital twin labs within the UCF Knights Digital Twin Collaborative Space.
A centerpiece of the discussion was how the team is building a one-of-kind national resource for advanced semiconductor packaging. With valuable feedback from NSF, the Engine is excited to engage with partners to continue the transformative work and build momentum for the Engine to address regional challenges and leverage emerging opportunities.
To learn more about the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine click here.