On Saturday, NeoCity buzzed with excitement during its Community STEM Day, held both inside the county’s OC Building and across the surrounding outdoor areas of Osceola County’s 500-acre tech hub. Families, students, and innovators immersed themselves in the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and unique experiences such as, virtual reality, flight simulators, and observing constellations with The Night Sky Telescopes.
The event was a vibrant showcase of innovation, featuring cutting-edge exhibits and demonstrations by leading institutions and companies including UCF, Valencia College, Plug and Play, LocatorX, SkyWater Technologies, BRIDG, CareerSource Central Florida, KUA, SMART Radar System, Osceola School District’s STEM Bus, Toho Water Authority, Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, imec, and more. Attendees were also treated to free ice cream, pizza, and drawings for laptops, making the day both educational and enjoyable for all ages.
For students, the event was more than just fun—it was a glimpse into their future. “Opportunities like these are crucial for young minds as they begin to think about their career paths,” said BRIDG President Jay Galbraith. “We’re thrilled to see so many tech-based companies come together to showcase their work and provide hands-on exhibits for students and families. This event is about sparking curiosity and helping students see the incredible possibilities that STEM careers offer.”
NeoCity is home to NeoCity Academy, a STEM-focused high school that is part of the Osceola School District. Located directly next to the OC Building where the event took place, NeoCity Academy is dedicated to preparing students for the rapidly growing STEM workforce. Through rigorous coursework and real-world opportunities, the academy equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in fields such as smart sensors, photonics, and optics.
The event underscored the critical role STEM careers play in shaping the future, particularly in Central Florida. From designing advanced manufacturing technologies to exploring space-related innovations, the opportunities in STEM-based careers are vast and promising. NeoCity is at the forefront of these developments, providing young students with a direct path to explore these fields through partnerships with leading universities, research institutions, and companies.
Beyond the day’s activities, NeoCity continues to drive growth and innovation. In 2022, Osceola County and its coalition partners secured a $50.8 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant to expand fabrication labs and manufacturing capabilities at NeoCity. This expansion is set to create numerous high-wage technology jobs, ensuring that the community remains a global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Situated near Orlando and strategically positioned close to America’s only Spaceport/Seaport/Airport/Rail grouping, NeoCity serves as a dynamic hub for collaboration and technological advancement. Its vibrant ecosystem offers unmatched opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to shape the future of technology.
What’s Next for NeoCity?
With events like Community STEM Day, NeoCity continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers. The question for students now is: What will you create next?
