The Chip Frontier: Florida's Semiconductor Edge

The Future: One Student’s Journey

What happens when education meets opportunity and a student runs with it? In this bonus episode of The Chip Frontier: Florida’s Semiconductor Edge, we spotlight the story behind the strategy through the eyes of Jayden Graham, a NeoCity Academy graduate who didn’t just learn about STEM, he lived it. Jayden’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when states invest in innovation. From launching his own STEM camp to mentoring younger students, Jayden is turning his education into impact. His story reveals the human side of Florida’s semiconductor strategy and shows how experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement can shape the future of tech, one student at a time. Listen to the season finale to hear how this now MIT student is inspiring the next generation and why Florida’s approach to talent development is personal.

The Future: Building Florida’s Workforce

What does it take to build a semiconductor industry from scratch? Not just fabs and funding, but people. In this episode, we dive into the heart of Florida’s workforce strategy and ask: How do you prepare thousands of workers for jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago? How do you turn a high school student into a cleanroom technician, or a career-changer into a semiconductor expert? This episode showcases how partners of the Florida Semiconductor Engine are answering those questions with bold, future-focused solutions. By creating high-tech job opportunities across education levels and career stages, the state is keeping talent local, attracting new residents, and laying the foundation for a thriving semiconductor ecosystem. Listen now! Featuring: Pamela Nabors, CEO of CareerSource Central Florida; Joe Battista, Vice President of Workforce, Career, and Professional Education at Valencia College; and Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent of the School District of Osceola County.

The Product: Advancing Innovation and Research & Development in Florida

Higher education isn’t just a pipeline; it’s a power source. This episode showcases how key academic partners of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, including the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida, are helping drive Florida’s semiconductor surge from the ground up. From digital twins to diode lasers, these institutions are redefining research and education to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Their work is fueling innovation, building the next-gen workforce, and laying the foundation for Florida’s leadership in advanced packaging and microelectronics. Hit play to hear how Florida’s academic leaders are shaping the future of semiconductors Featuring: Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, Interim Executive Director and Agere Chair Professor at the University of Central Florida; Dr. David Arnold, FSI Director at the University of Florida; and Dr. Sylvia Thomas, Vice President for Research & Innovation at the University of South Florida.

The Investment: Funding Promising Technologies

This episode dives into the mission of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, a statewide coalition uniting microelectronic companies, universities, and local leaders to onshore critical technology and strengthen America’s tech edge. Backed by strategic investment and anchored in Osceola County, the Engine is building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to lead in advanced packaging. Driving this momentum is the National Science Foundation, whose support of academic institutions and regional innovation hubs like Florida could be transformational. For 75 years, NSF has fueled scientific breakthroughs and now it’s placing bold bets on technologies that will define our economic future. Semiconductors are one of them. Hit play to see why Florida is all in on this episode of The Chip Frontier: Florida’s Semiconductor Edge.  Featuring: Matt Walsh, Chief Engineer, NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine; Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), National Science Foundation (and Jessica Fields, NSF Program Director).

The Approach: Creating Florida’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

Florida is cultivating a dynamic innovation ecosystem, one built on strategic infrastructure, collaborative leadership, and a clear commitment to long-term growth. In this episode our guests share how the state is translating momentum into action, building a diversified economy where advanced packaging and innovation thrive. With a secured facility already operational and a talent pipeline accelerating, Florida is aligning infrastructure, leadership, and vision to shape the future of technology. Fan-out wafer technology? It’s already underway. Tune in to explore how Florida is designing its role in the global semiconductor landscape. Featuring: Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership; Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor; and Bassel Haddad, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Advanced Packaging with SkyWater Technology