Osceola County officially welcomed the globally recognized technology business accelerator, Plug and Play, to its innovative hub, NeoCity, in Kissimmee on Thursday, emphasizing the county’s commitment to diversifying its economy while highlighting its role in national security and the semiconductor industry.
The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included County Commissioners Brandon Arrington, Cheryl Grieb, and Ricky Booth, County Manager Don Fisher, State Senator Victor Torres, Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, Plug and Play CEO Saeed Amidi, and Max Mirgoli, Executive Vice-President of Worldwide Strategic Partnerships at imec.
“When Osceola County first set out to create NeoCity, we didnt do it to get into the semiconductor business, we did it to diversify our economy by creating 21st century jobs, and as we all know, Osceola County and all of Florida, is reliant upon tourism and agriculture, so tend years ago, after the Great Recession, the Osceola County commission, decided to invest in its future and diversify its economy. They did so by investing in education, which led to Osceola Prosper, and infrastructure, which brought forth the development of NeoCity,” County Manager Don Fisher shared at the opening of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Plug and Play’s collaboration with Osceola County, BRIDG, and imec at NeoCity marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the 500-acre technology district. The company connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies.
With an international presence encompassing over 60,000 startups, 550 corporations, and hundreds of venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies across diverse industries, Plug and Play is firmly established as a leading innovation platform. Operating in 50+ locations across five continents. The company’s suite of corporate programs guides partners from education to execution, and by joining forces with Osceola County, Plug and Play will be well-positioned in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, with nearby access to an international airport, a high-tcch rail system, an east coast space port within an hour drive, and a strong business-friendly environment in the state.
The day was steeped with innovative solutions pitches by technology-based startups within the semiconductor industry to Plug and Play , underscoring the sector’s importance to national security, especially amidst growing concerns over Chinese and other foreign advancements in chip and semiconductor research and production. This gathering not only showcased the cutting-edge tech products and businesses but also highlighted the critical role semiconductors play in national security initiatives.
During the afternoon’s portion of the day, County Manager Don Fisher once again shared insights into the inception of NeoCity, borne out of a desire to diversify Osceola County’s economy beyond tourism and agriculture following the great recession of the early 2000s. This vision led to the development of NeoCity and the establishment of NeoCity Academy, a highly successful STEM school within the county, aimed at nurturing a new generation of technologists and innovators.
The county’s commitment to this technological venture was further bolstered by substantial financial support, including a Department of Defense Cornerstone award. This five-year contract, with an initial funding of $3.65 million and a ceiling of $120 million, positions Osceola County at the vanguard of efforts to produce next-generation microchips for the U.S. military. This endeavor is expected to have a transformative impact on the community’s economy and could potentially escalate to a total award of $289 million. Additionally, the 2023 Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant continues to support workforce development, job creation, and enhancements to the fabrication facility, underlining the county’s long-term commitment to innovation and prosperity.
The arrival of Plug and Play in NeoCity signifies a leap forward in Osceola County’s ambitious journey towards becoming a central hub for high-tech industries, promising a brighter, more prosperous future for its residents.
