Florida Construction News staff writer
More than $28 million has been announced to expand Florida’s semiconductor industry.
“Today’s awards will expand Florida’s manufacturing industry and provide high quality jobs for Floridians,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “In Florida, we are laying the groundwork for a strong economic future by investing in growing, high-demand industries that offer high-wage jobs for our residents.”
Funding will come from a workforce development initiative that has earmarked $50 million for projects and workforce education initiatives that build semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and research and development within the military, defense and space industries.
The following projects will receive funding:
- Osceola County, NeoCity ($17.5 million) – to construct a multi-use semiconductor lab facility that will stimulate high-tech business start-ups and the manufacturing of semiconductors by providing companies with affordable lab space.
- Valencia College ($4.2 million) – to expand Valencia College’s Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program.
- Santa Fe College ($3 million) – to design and develop a new associate degree in engineering technology with a specialization in Advanced Manufacturing.
- Lake Technical College ($1.9 million) – to expand Lake Technical College’s semiconductor program and create a new advanced manufacturing program.
- Eastern Florida State College ($1.6 million) – to establish Eastern Florida State College’s Center for Innovative Technology Education to train students in robotics and simulation technician skills to design, operate, test and repair robotics systems.
