IMPACT 2025 REPORT
FLORIDA SEMICONDUCTOR INSTITUTE
Leadership Message
$ 164M 68 104 13,000
KEY EVENTS
NEOCITY RIBBON CUTTING · FEBRUARY 4
The Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) functions as the state wide hub for research, development, and workforce initiatives in semiconductor technologies, aiming to make Florida a global leader in specialty electronics.
STATE + FEDERAL FUNDING (STATEWIDE)
FACULTY COLLABORATORS
ENGAGED ORGANIZATIONS
DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERS / FOLLOWERS
This expansion was a significant step to build vital semiconductor research and manufacturing ecosystems across the state.
2025 FLORIDA SEMICONDUCTOR SUMMIT · FEBRUARY 25-27
Major industry/academia conference hosted with L3Harris. More than 300 professionals and 170 different organizations took part. Speakers included: Sarah Goforth (National Science Foundation), Dana Weinstein (Purdue University), Dev Shenoy (U.S. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense), Salman Nasir (Natcast), Mike Glavin (SEMI Foundation).
ETCH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED · SEPTEMBER 5
This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and careers in semiconductors. Led by the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI), and co-funded by the Florida Semiconductor Engine, Etch aims to foster innovation, talent, and economic growth.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY RESEARCH · SEPTEMBER 25
Marie Kane will lead the development and operation of UF’s new national security research center in Jacksonville. This will be a major research component of the Florida Semiconductor Institute at the Jacksonville campus.
UF SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH DASSAULT SYSTÈMES · SEPTEMBER 30
To launch a collaboration that will accelerate innovation in the semiconductor industry through the use of virtual twin technologies and advanced virtual modeling platforms.
FLORIDA SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINE
Aims to play a critical role in supporting the nation’s capability for semiconductor advanced packaging design and manufacturing, rooting a vital industry on American shores.
MICROELECTRONICS COMMONS
The Microelectronics Commons program is a network of regional technology Hubs acting on a shared mission: to expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics. The Microelectronics Commons program is accelerating domestic prototyping and growing a pipeline of U.S.-based semiconductor talent.
J. ALEX KELLY
PHOTO BY DAVE SCHLENKER
NATIONAL NETWORK FOR MICROELECTRONICS EDUCATION
Funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and led by SEMI, the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) is setting America’s gold standard for workforce development in microelectronics. The mission is to deliver employer-aligned curriculum and modern, work-based learning that prepares all Americans for high-quality careers that advance U.S. innovation and prosperity.
FY25
60 FSI Faculty Collaborators at 8 universities published 450 peerreviewed articles, filed 59 patents, secured 5 technology licenses, and formed 3 new startup companies.
FSI in Jacksonville
Florida’s semiconductor/electronics workforce is anticipated to grow 25% by the end of the decade. The Jacksonville FSI will merge UF’s innovation and academic prowess with the city’s urban talent density. Research themes will augment the College of Engineering’s graduate programs in AI, engineering management and computer science.
FSI Embarks on $1.2 Million Collaboration with L3Harris
In 2025, FSI and L3Harris established a three-year, $1.2 million ASSET research agreement, funded through matching investments from both organizations. The partnership supports hands-on workforce training for Ph.D. students and builds on collaborative momentum.
Chips in Space
In a ground breaking milestone for space-enabled semiconductor research, the University of Florida, in collaboration with NASA, MIT, Vanguard Automation, AIM Photonics and Germany’s Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute, launched a suite of photonic AI chips to the International Space Station aboard JAXA’s HTV-XI spacecraft.
UF Partners with Dassault Systèmes to Advance Virtual Twin Technologies for the Semiconductor Industry
The collaboration aims to enable end-to-end virtual prototyping, from materials and devices to wafer processing and manufacturing systems.
WORKFORCE Development Workforce Development Programs
Chip In Florida Challenge
Engaged 172 teachers
Spanned 29 districts
Reached approx. 12,000 Students
Awarded 3 prizes for winning elementary, middle, and high schools.
Funded Internships
34 internships at 18 different Florida-based companies
SemiClubs
Facilitated 7 extra-curricular student clubs at 5 different K-12 districts. SemiClubs introduce K-12 students to semiconductors and microelectronics in fun, hands-on ways. Through activities, seminars, field trips, and club events, students can explore Florida’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and discover how microelectronics are shaping their world and their futures.
Semiconductor Education Day for K–20 Educators
Trained 47 educators.
Representing 31 institutions.
On November 6th, the K–20 Professional Development Day was held at Malachowsky Hall, University of Florida, for educators to integrate semiconductor STEM into classrooms. K–20 Education Days are hosted regionally.
Neocity Community STEM Day
1250+ attendees
UF STEM on the Lawn
900+ participants
41 exhibit booths
8 sponsors
Florida has emerged as a national leader in semiconductor workforce development, driven by more than $1 billion in local, state, and federal investment. The state is building a comprehensive semiconductor supply chain with a strong emphasis on talent development from K–12 education through advanced degrees, creating pathways for more than 10,000 high-wage jobs state wide.
To support this demand, the University of Florida’s Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) has launched a coordinated set of workforce initiatives aligned with education, training, and industry needs. These efforts strengthen Florida’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem, which includes more than 430 establishments and supports over 18,000 jobs, positioning the state for continued growth as domestic chip manufacturing expands.
FSI’s workforce programs focus on early exposure and hands-on learning to increase awareness of semiconductor careers.
Initiatives such as SemiClubs, Chip-In Florida, and STEM integrate semiconductor concepts into K–12 classrooms, educator training, and community events, helping students and families understand career pathways and industry technologies.
FSI has also launched Etch, a workforce development initiative featuring an anonymous talent network that connects skilled professionals with semiconductor employers state wide. Etch supports education and career advancement, reskilling, and growth.
EMPLOYMENT
CREDENTIALING
TRAINING
Professional Development
Fabrication Lab Experiences
EXPLORATION
Chip-In Florida
AWARENESS
STEM on the Lawn
Stakeholder Coordination
Etch Talent Network
Industry-Driven Certifications FSI Awards
Internships
Career and Technical Education Expansion
Industry-Guided Course Groupings
SCRO: Semiconductor Career Readiness Organization
Industry Videos & Tours
Semiconductor Workforce Branding & Marketing Campaign
K-5 6-12 TECH COLLEGE STATE COLLEGE UNDERGRAD
TRAINING LEVEL
GRADUATE
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Europe
Dr. Volker Sorger participated in a historic Florida leadership mission across Europe in July, focusing on aerospace, photonics, and semiconductors, which included major stops such as the 55th International Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace exhibition. The mission spanned multiple countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, and resulted in several new MOUs and collaboration agreements between Florida and European partners.
Asia
FSI Director David Arnold and R&D
Deputy Director Navid Asadi joined FL Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, FL Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and ~30 other delegates (from Florida Semiconductor Engine, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida Polytechnic University, private industry, and others) to enhance trade, grow business, increase academic partnerships, and deepen cultural ties with Taiwan.
Focusing on Taiwan's world-leading semiconductor sector, FSI enjoyed visits with TSMC, MediaTek, United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC),
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI), TSIA, and National Taiwan University.
State
As part of its year-round engagement with education partners state wide, Florida Semiconductor leadership conducted a three-day road trip at the end of July to visit cutting-edge secondary and higher education facilities advancing Florida’s workforce development.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Major Moves Towards Jacksonville Expansion
The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved the transfer of 20+ acres in LaVilla to UF and committed an additional $50 million, bringing the city’s total investment to $100 million. Combined with state funding and private philanthropy, total investment in the UF Jacksonville project has reached $300 million to date. FSI will lead an Advanced Technology Center that will focus on national security R&D.
Osceola County will break ground in 2026 on a 30,000-sq-ft semiconductor research lab at NeoCity, supported by a $17.5M Florida Job Growth Grant. With more than $500M already invested, NeoCity continues to grow as Florida’s hub for semiconductor innovation—powering the chips behind our phones, cars, and connected world.
Equipment
The Novel Performance-Driven 3D Imaging System for Extremely Noisy Objects (NPIX) to the FSI Lab—ushering in a new era of precision imaging and inspection.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
In 2025, Taste of Tech, a seminar series designed for professionals, innovators, and technology enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge, hosted 11 seminars featuring 22 guest speakers.
FSI Lab Link is an exclusive initiative designed to foster collaboration among students from universities across Florida. Through research discussions, lab visits, and networking, students engage in meaningful exchanges that contribute to advancements in the semiconductor ecosystem.
The Sunshine Circuit is a new AI-generated podcast delivering the latest updates, events, and industry advancements from the Florida Semiconductor Institute. It offers an easy way to stay informed by listening to the most recent news from across the state. The FSI Monthly Newsletter was launched in 2025.
FSI LAB LINK
THE SUNSHINE CIRCUIT & MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
TASTE OF TECH SEMINARS