FSI is excited to announce the 2026 Semiconductor Fellow Award, celebrating outstanding research and impact on Florida’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Must be a Ph.D. engineer working within the Florida semiconductor ecosystem for at least 10 years.

Research Area of Interest:

All areas of research related to semiconductor materials, design, simulation, fabrication, technologies, devices, and systems.

Submission Requirements:

• Nominee CV: Current CV of the nominee (PDF format).
• Nomination Letter: Nomination letter from the individual’s organization (PDF format, 2 pages max). The cover letter should address the following items:
  • Confirmation of nominee’s employment history
  • Technical Impact: Summary of the context (sponsor(s) and objectives) and scope of the nominee’s work. Include details of scholarly productivity such as journal papers, conference publications, invention disclosures, patents, presentations, awards, etc.
  • Broader Impact: Summary of the broader attributes of the student. Include details of leadership roles, mentorship, collaborations, service to the profession or community, etc.
  • Description of how the nominee meets the three evaluation criteria listed below.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation and Originality: Novelty of the research, its contribution to the field, and potential for future application.
• Technical Quality: Rigor, depth, accuracy, and thoroughness of the research methodology.
• Impact: Potential and anticipated influence on both academia and the semiconductor industry.

Awards:

• First Place: Invitation to the FSI Florida Semiconductor Summit in February 2026 and broad recognition of the award.
• Honorable Mention(s): Recognition across the FSI community.

Application Process:

• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Fill out the nomination form below.

For more information, please contact Prof. Navid Asadi, FSI deputy director of R&D, at nasadi@ufl.edu. We look forward to your submissions and celebrating the innovative research shaping the future of semiconductor technologies.

FSI is excited to announce the 2026 Semiconductor Rising Star Award, celebrating outstanding Ph.D. research in semiconductor technologies.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Must be a Ph.D. graduate from a Florida university who defended their Ph.D. dissertation between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

Research Area of Interest:

All areas of research related to semiconductor materials, design, simulation, fabrication, technologies, devices, and systems.

Submission Requirements:

• Nominee CV: Current CV of the nominee (PDF format).
• Dissertation Document: Full dissertation (PDF format).
• Nomination Letter: Nomination letter from the Ph.D. advisor (PDF format, 2 pages max). The cover letter should address the following items:
  • Confirmation of nominee’s graduation date and activities/employment since graduation.
  • Technical Impact: Summary of the context (sponsor(s) and objectives) and scope of the nominee’s doctoral work. Include details of scholarly productivity such as journal papers, conference publications, invention disclosures, patents, presentations, awards, etc.
  • Broader Impact: Summary of the broader attributes of the student. Include details of leadership roles, mentorship, collaborations, service to the profession or community, etc.
  • Description of how the nominee meets the three evaluation criteria listed below.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation and Originality: Novelty of the research, its contribution to the field, and potential for future application.
• Technical Quality: Rigor, depth, accuracy, and thoroughness of the research methodology.
• Impact: Potential and anticipated influence on both academia and the semiconductor industry.

Awards:

• First Place: $1,000 cash prize and an invitation to present at the FSI Florida Semiconductor Summit in February 2026.
• Honorable Mention(s): Recognition across the FSI community.

Application Process:

• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Fill out the nomination form below.

For more information, please contact Prof. Navid Asadi, FSI deputy director of R&D, at nasadi@ufl.edu. We look forward to your submissions and celebrating the innovative research shaping the future of semiconductor technologies.

The Semiconductor Industry Technician of the Year award celebrates a Technician who exemplifies excellence in technical skill, innovation, and commitment to operational success. This individual consistently goes above and beyond in supporting the company’s mission to deliver world-class semiconductor products through precision, efficiency, and quality.

The award honors a Technician who demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities, a strong safety mindset, and collaboration across teams, someone whose contributions have a lasting, measurable impact on manufacturing performance and workplace culture.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Must be a technician working within the Florida semiconductor ecosystem for the last 12 months.

Research Area of Interest:

All areas of research related to semiconductor materials, design, simulation, fabrication, technologies, devices, and systems.

Submission Requirements:

• Nominee CV: Current CV of the nominee (PDF format).
• Nomination Letter: Nomination letter from supervisor (PDF format, 2 pages max). The cover letter should address the following items:
  • Confirmation of nominee’s dates of employment.
  • Technical Impact: Summary of the context (sponsor(s) and objectives) and scope of the nominee’s work. Include details of measurable impact, professionalism and outcomes of productivity.
  • Broader Impact: Summary of the broader attributes of the technician. Include details of leadership roles, mentorship, collaborations, service to the profession or community, etc.
  • Description of how the nominee meets the three evaluation criteria listed below.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Technical Mastery: Demonstrates expert knowledge and proficiency in semiconductor equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Consistently delivers high-quality technical work with minimal error or rework.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Develops or implements new methods that enhance tool uptime, process efficiency, or yield. Actively contributes ideas that drive continuous improvement initiatives or cost savings.
• Safety and Quality Commitment: Maintains exemplary adherence to safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and quality procedures. Promotes a culture of safety awareness and proactive risk reduction within their team.

Awards:

• First Place: $1,000 cash prize and an invitation to attend the FSI Florida Semiconductor Summit in February 2026.
• Honorable Mention(s): Recognition across the FSI community.

Application Process:

• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Fill out the nomination form below.

For more information, please contact Ben Larry, Assistant Director for Workforce Integration at blarry@ufl.edu. We look forward to your submissions and celebrating the dedication and commitment to supporting and recognizing Technicians across the Semiconductor industry.

The Semiconductor Workforce Development Program of Excellence recognizes a successful program that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and dedication that drives the semiconductor industry forward. This award honors employees or teams who demonstrate outstanding contributions to workforce development, operational excellence, and organizational culture—ensuring the strength, skill, and sustainability of the company’s most valuable resource: its people.

Recipients of this award are champions of learning, teamwork, and continuous improvement, inspiring others through their commitment to building a high-performing, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.

Nominee Eligibility:

• Open to all organizations, teams or departments contributing to semiconductor workforce development or excellence in the state of Florida.

Submission Requirements:

• Self nominations are welcome.
• Nomination Letter: Nomination letter (PDF format, 5 pages max) should address the following items:
  • Confirmation of nominee’s focus on advancing the semiconductor workforce in Florida.
  • Supporting evidence such as project outcomes, training metrics, or testimonials is encouraged.
  • Broader Impact: Summary of the broader attributes of the organization. Include details of leadership roles, mentorship, collaborations, service to the profession or community, etc.
  • Description of how the nominee meets the evaluation criteria listed below.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Workforce Development and Training: Actively contributes to employee growth through mentorship, training, or skill development initiatives. Demonstrate leadership in advancing workforce capability, efficiency, and technical excellence.
• Collaboration and Team Engagement: Fosters a positive and inclusive team environment that promotes communication, trust, and shared success. Contributes to cross-functional collaboration that strengthens organizational performance.
• Innovation in Workforce Practices: Develops or implements innovative ideas that improve workforce productivity, engagement, or retention. Demonstrates adaptability and forward-thinking in addressing workforce challenges.
• Safety, Quality, and Operational Integrity: Upholds and promotes the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Serves as a role model for ethical behavior and adherence to company values.
• Measurable Organizational Impact: Shows clear, measurable contributions to workforce performance, culture, or business outcomes. Recognized by peers and leadership for outstanding influence and commitment.

Awards:

• First Place: Invitation to the FSI Florida Semiconductor Summit in February 2026 and broad recognition of the award.
• Honorable Mention(s): Recognition across the FSI community.

Application Process:

• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Fill out the nomination form below.

For more information, please contact Ben Larry, Assistant Director for Workforce Integration at blarry@ufl.edu. We look forward to your submissions and celebrating the dedication and commitment to supporting the Semiconductor workforce talent of the future.