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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
Released 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.
Play Season Prelude
Episode 1 | Emergence: The Emergence of Florida as a Semiconductor Hub
Released 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.
Play Episode One
Episode 2 | The Approach: Creating Florida’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Released 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.
Play Episode Two
Episode 3 | The Investment: Funding Promising Technologies
Released Oct. 29, 2025
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.
Play Episode Three
Episode 4 | The Product: Advancing Innovation and Research & Development in Florida
Released Nov. 12, 2025
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.
Play Episode Four
Episode 5 | The Future: Building Florida’s Workforce
Released Nov. 26, 2025
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? By creating high-tech job opportunities across education levels and career stages.
Play Episode Five
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.