Florida Semiconductor Engine Launches Podcast Exploring State’s Role in U.S. Chip Innovation
Posted on: October 13, 2025
Osceola County, Florida – A new podcast, now available on all platforms, spotlights the NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine and Florida’s emergence as a national leader in advanced semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.
Titled The Chip Frontier: Florida’s Semiconductor Edge, the podcast tells the story behind the Florida Semiconductor Engine. From a vision to diversify Central Florida’s economy beyond agriculture and tourism, to the development of NeoCity, a 500-acre high-tech campus, and the growing ecosystem of industry, academia and government partners working to transform the region into a hub for innovation.
The Engine is part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program and is focused on developing specialty and advanced packaging technologies that are critical to industries such as aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and medical devices. These innovations are bolstering national security and fueling a new era of high-wage jobs and economic growth across Florida.
“This podcast is about people. Our partners share a vision for economic development and educational opportunity,” said Dr. Ron Piccolo, Interim CEO of the NSF Florida Semiconductor Engine. “We want listeners to understand how Florida is building a semiconductor future from the ground up, and how this work is launching careers, strengthening communities, and positioning our state as a leader in America’s chip revolution.”
This season features the following guests:
- Dr. Ron Piccolo, Interim CEO, Florida Semiconductor Engine
- Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chair of the Florida Semiconductor Engine Board
- Alex Kelly, Secretary, Florida Department of Commerce
- Tim Giuliani, President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership
- Paul Sohl, CEO, Florida High Tech Corridor
- Bassel Haddad, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Advanced Packaging, SkyWater Technology
- Matthew Walsh, Chief Engineer, Florida Semiconductor Engine
- Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Jessica Fields, Program Director, National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, Interim Executive Director and Agere Chair Professor, University of Central Florida
- Dr. David Arnold, Director, Florida Semiconductor Institute, University of Florida
- Dr. Sylvia Thomas, Vice President for Research & Innovation, University of South Florida
- Pamela Nabors, CEO, CareerSource Central Florida
- Joe Battista, Former Vice President of Workforce, Career, and Professional Education, Valencia College
- Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent, School District of Osceola County
- Jayden Graham, CEO, FLIPS
Season 1 of The Chip Frontier explores the question “Why Florida?” through six episodes that highlight the state’s strategy, investment, and impact. The season begins with two episodes dropping Oct. 1: a season prelude and Episode 1, “The Emergence,” which traces the history and vision behind Florida’s semiconductor movement. Subsequent episodes include “The Approach,” “The Investment,” “The Product,” and “The Future,” culminating in a bonus episode that tells the story from the perspective of a NeoCity Academy graduate whose journey reflects the human impact of the Engine’s work.
New episodes will be released every other Wednesday and will be available on all major podcast platforms. To learn more, visit https://semiconductorengine.org/the-chip-frontier-podcast/.
Headquartered at NeoCity, the Florida Semiconductor Engine currently covers a region of service that includes Florida’s I-4 corridor, and spans from Tampa Bay through Orlando and to the Space Coast.
About the Florida Semiconductor Engine
The NSF Engine: Florida Semiconductor Engine strives to transform the U.S. semiconductor advanced and specialty packaging industry through collaborative research and translation innovations, building the most advanced technical workforce and creating regional economic prosperity.