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The Chip Frontier Podcast
Florida’s Semiconductor Edge
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Florida is emerging as the next frontier in advanced semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing, and The Chip Frontier: Florida’s Semiconductor Edge is your inside look at the innovation driving this transformation.
Join us as we explore the groundbreaking work of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Florida Semiconductor Engine, developing specialty and advanced packaging technologies that are critical to a wide variety of industries. These innovations are bolstering national security and fueling a new era of high-wage jobs and economic growth. Tune in for expert insights, industry breakthroughs and a front-row seat to Florida’s rise as a leader in America’s semiconductor revolution.
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Season 1 | Exploring Florida, the New Frontier in U.S. Semiconductor Innovation
Episode 0 | Season Prelude with Interim CEO, Dr. Ron Piccolo
Coming Oct. 1, 2025
Interim CEO Dr. Ron Piccolo joins host Laureen Martinez to introduce the Florida Semiconductor Engine and share how Florida is positioning itself as a national leader in semiconductor innovation. This episode sets the stage for this season.
Episode 1 | Emergence: The Emergence of Florida as a Semiconductor Hub
Coming Oct. 1, 2025
This episode explores Florida’s transformation into a key player in the semiconductor industry. Leaders share their insights into the vision and the creation of the Florida Semiconductor Engine. Guests include Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager and Chair of the Florida Semiconductor Engine Board and Alex Kelly, Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.
Episode 2 | The Approach: Creating Florida’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Coming Oct. 15, 2025
This episode highlights Florida’s economic development strategy, partnerships, and leadership driving Florida’s rise as a semiconductor powerhouse. Guests include 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.
Episode 3 | The Investment: Funding Promising Technologies
Coming Oct. 29, 2025
Episode 3 of The Chip Frontier podcast will be released Sept. 24, 2025 and features special guests Matthew Walsh, Chief Engineer of the Florida Semiconductor Engine; and Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) with the National Science Foundation (and Jessica Fields, NSF Program Director)
Episode 4 | The Product: Advancing Innovation and Research & Development in Florida
Coming Nov. 12, 2025
Episode 4 of The Chip Frontier podcast will be released Oct. 8, 2025, and features special guests 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.
Episode 5 | The Future: Building Florida’s Workforce
Coming Nov. 26, 2025
Episode 5 of The Chip Frontier podcast will be released Oct. 22, 2025, and features special guests 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.
Bonus Episode | The Future: One Student’s Journey
Coming Dec. 3, 2025
Episode 6 of The Chip Frontier podcast will be released Nov. 5, 2025, and features special guest Jayden Graham.
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Disclaimer
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), NSF Award: NSF-2315320 – Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.