Statewide semiconductor education initiative continues to grow, introducing students to innovation, technology, and future career pathways.
Chip in Florida Challenge Reaches More Than 15,000 Students Across Florida, Expands Opportunities for 2027
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) at the University of Florida announced the continued expansion of the Chip in Florida Challenge, a statewide K–12 initiative designed to introduce students to semiconductor technology through hands-on learning, innovation, and career exploration.
Since its launch, the Chip in Florida Challenge has engaged more than 15,000 students, over 200 educators, and more than 100 schools across 36 Florida school districts, creating new opportunities for students to discover the technologies powering today’s world and tomorrow’s workforce.
The challenge provides ready-to-use classroom resources for educators while encouraging students to explore real-world problems and develop innovative solutions inspired by semiconductor technologies. Student teams have designed inventions, built prototypes, and demonstrated how semiconductors impact everyday life—from healthcare and transportation to communications and artificial intelligence.
Beyond the classroom challenge, students have participated in semiconductor-focused learning experiences including virtual field trips, career exploration activities, industry engagement opportunities, and extracurricular programs such as SemiClubs. Industry partners have also supported student achievement through classroom prizes, educational resources, and recognition opportunities that connect learning to real-world applications.
As the initiative continues to grow, FSI is preparing several exciting enhancements for the next challenge cycle.
Beginning in August 2026, the Chip in Florida Challenge will launch earlier in the school year, providing educators with additional time to integrate semiconductor concepts into classroom instruction and student projects.
In addition, a new High School Innovation Showcase will provide selected high school finalists with the opportunity to visit the University of Florida and present their ideas directly to university engineers and semiconductor professionals. Students will pitch their innovations, receive feedback from experts, and gain exposure to advanced research and career pathways within Florida’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
“Every student reached through this challenge represents a future possibility for Florida,” said Roseanne Perez, Program Specialist for Workforce Development at the Florida Semiconductor Institute. “What started as a classroom challenge has evolved into a statewide effort to build awareness, inspire exploration, and connect students with opportunities they may never have known existed. We are not simply teaching students about semiconductors—we are helping them envision their place in Florida’s future.”
The Florida Semiconductor Institute remains committed to expanding awareness, exploration, hands-on experiences, career connections, and continued engagement opportunities for students throughout the state.
Educators interested in participating in the next Chip in Florida Challenge cycle can learn more by visiting FSI’s K–12 workforce development resources and upcoming program announcements.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Chip in Florida Challenge is made possible through the generous support of our industry partners, including:
