It might be surprising to learn that there is an emerging advanced semiconductor manufacturing cluster nestled in the heart of the Orlando region. But for the innovative companies that call Orlando home, it’s a well-known fact that the area known as NeoCity leads the charge in shaping the future of semiconductor technology.
A 500-acre, master-planned technology district located just 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, NeoCity is the recipient of more than half a billion dollars in federal, state and local grants and investments. These include the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) prestigious 10-year, $160 million Regional Innovation Engines award, known as the NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, as well as the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge.
"With over half a billion dollars in state and federal investments made in the past year and a half alone, NeoCity’s efforts to establish itself and the Orlando region as the world’s next top semiconductor and microelectronics research, development and manufacturing hub are well underway," said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP).
"More than simply a burgeoning cluster for developing a secure supply chain for domestically produced innovative technology, NeoCity represents the perfect landing pad for global microchip leaders to expand into the U.S. in a welcoming, collaborative and dynamic ecosystem where the collision of talent and technology catalyzes groundbreaking ideas."
The driving force behind NeoCity is a regional coalition comprised of key industry, education and governmental leaders, such as BRIDG, the Florida-based not-for-profit public-private partnership focused on developing and commercializing advanced technologies of semiconductors packaging for microelectronic systems, as well as Osceola County, University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Florida High Tech Corridor, CareerSource Central Florida, imec USA, University of Florida and the OEP. The coalition's successes reflect a strategic alignment of public and private entities dedicated to advancing semiconductor research, development and manufacturing.
As NeoCity emerges as a focal point for semiconductor innovation, the Orlando region stands poised to lead the charge in shaping America's technological future.
1. Half a billion in federal, state and local investments
NeoCity's ascent as America's next semiconductor hub was solidified when the NSF announced the Orlando region as a winner for the Engines awards, the only one solely focused on semiconductors.
"The inaugural NSF Engines awards demonstrate our enduring commitment to create opportunity everywhere and enable innovation anywhere," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “The NSF Engines hold significant promise to elevate and transform entire geographic regions into world-leading hubs of innovation.”
“The NSF award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our regional coalition over the past decade to shape the economic future of Osceola County and establish NeoCity as a national hub for semiconductor research, manufacturing, advanced packaging and workforce attainment” said Jay Galbraith, president of BRIDG.
This milestone is just the latest in a series of victories secured by the coalition. It follows Osceola County's recent $289 million U.S. Department of Defense contract and a $50.8 million Department of Commerce Build Back Better Regional Challenge award, in addition to other significant state investments.
In the past year and a half alone, the Orlando region has secured over half a billion dollars in federal and state support for the region's semiconductor industry and NeoCity, largely thanks to unique and collaborative public-private partnerships and support from leaders like Congressman Darren Soto.
2. Talent, supply chain connectivity and room to grow
NeoCity's strategic location and robust transportation connections play a significant role in the semiconductor cluster’s strategic importance and value presented to companies that operate there.
"With its extensive infrastructure, pad ready real estate portfolio, and strategic location, NeoCity is primed for growth and poised to lead the charge in semiconductor innovation. We are proud to be at the forefront of this effort, driving economic growth and fostering a culture of collaboration so that Osceola County residents are forever 'first to what's next,'" said Osceola County Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb.
Perfectly positioned for expansion, NeoCity boasts 500 acres of developable land, providing excellent access to one of the world’s top international airports and robust transportation networks. It’s located just 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, less than a mile from Florida’s Turnpike, an hour from Port Canaveral and the Cape Canaveral Space Port, and 90 minutes from Port Tampa Bay. Such multimodal options present employees and employers with seamless connectivity via road, rail, air, sea and even space.
Additionally, NeoCity acts as a magnet for top-tier talent, driving forward groundbreaking advancements in semiconductor technology. It’s strategically only 30 minutes from one of the largest universities in the country, the University of Central Florida (UCF), which allows NeoCity to tap into a deep and highly skilled STEM talent pipeline bolstered by initiatives like UpSkill Osceola, partnerships with Valencia College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, UCF, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Tech and UF, and NeoCity Academy, a top-rated public STEM high school.
3. Top industry players, assets and infrastructure
Further solidifying NeoCity as America's next semiconductor hub are state-of-the-art facilities like the Center for Neovation, which is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing research centers in the western hemisphere and utilized by renowned organizations such as imec and Skywater Technology, one of the nation’s only pure-play semiconductor foundries.
NeoCity boasts class 1,000 and 10,000 cleanrooms, a versatile 200mm microelectronics facility with sub-fab directly underneath, ultra-pure water room, on-site acid waste neutralization system, reverse osmosis water processing capabilities, a central utility plant (chiller plant), and 100,000 square-feet of Class A office space.
These cutting-edge resources, coupled with the pace of investment and strategic collaborations and initiatives like cluster development organization Cenfluence and a regional coalition dedicated to establishing NeoCity as the nation's premiere semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing hub, clearly position the Orlando region at the forefront of microchip innovation.
Learn more how opportunity in Orlando is unbelievably real for advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging companies by visiting business.orlando.org.