Innovation was center stage Tuesday as Osceola County leaders, federal partners, and industry trailblazers gathered at NeoCity for the official ribbon cutting of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Florida Semiconductor Engine. The milestone event began with “Coffee & Conversation” at the OC Building in Kissimmee, featuring Tawny Olore, P.E., CEO of the newly renamed Engine, who unveiled a new identity and website—SemiconductorEngine.org—solidifying Florida’s place at the forefront of U.S. semiconductor innovation.

The Florida Semiconductor Engine, formerly known as the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, is one of only 10 programs nationally selected by the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines initiative. It was awarded up to $15 million in initial funding and has the potential to receive up to $160 million over the next 10 years to drive growth in the semiconductor advanced and specialty packaging industry.

“This is more than just a ribbon cutting,” said Olore. “It marks the beginning of an unprecedented partnership-driven effort to develop the infrastructure, workforce, and ecosystem needed to power the next generation of semiconductor technology—right here in Florida.”

Headquartered at Osceola County’s 500-acre NeoCity campus, the Engine is creating a regional ecosystem that spans 23 counties along Florida’s I-4 corridor—from Tampa Bay through Orlando to the Space Coast—laying the groundwork for sustainable job creation, technological leadership, and national competitiveness.

Following the unveiling, attendees joined in a ribbon cutting outside the OC Building, commemorating the opening of the Florida Semiconductor Engine’s offices and celebrating the years of strategic investment and collaboration that made it possible.

“As part of its strategic vision to improve the lives of residents, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners invested in establishing an ecosystem at NeoCity around advanced packaging and semiconductors,” said Brandon Arrington, Vice Chairman of the Osceola County Commission. “What we’re celebrating today represents more than bricks and mortar—it’s the result of years of thoughtful leadership and smart investment. This moment marks a new chapter, and I can’t wait to see what we create together next.”

U.S. Congressman Darren Soto, who has been instrumental in securing over $500 million in federal funds for the region, added, “This milestone reflects years of dedicated efforts to establish Florida as a leader in semiconductor innovation. In Congress, we’ve worked together to secure long-term funding that strengthens our economy and reinforces national security.”

NeoCity’s cutting-edge facilities and growing ecosystem include partners such as SkyWater Technology, imec USA, BRIDG, University of Florida’s Semiconductor Institute, Plug and Play, Seoul National University, and TEL, among others. The county’s investment has also resulted in educational opportunities, including NeoCity Academy, ranked the No. 1 public high school in Central Florida and a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, offering real-world internships at NeoCity companies.

With the launch of the Florida Semiconductor Engine and continued support from public and private partners, Osceola County is advancing a bold vision—cementing its place as a global leader in next-generation technology, manufacturing, and education.