The Build Back Better grant is powering six component projects. These projects aim to upgrade NeoCity’s advanced facilities, improve access, and create high-paying jobs that will shape our community’s future. As part of the master plan for 21st-century innovation, the Build Back Better-funded projects are transforming Osceola County into a leading location for semiconductor manufacturing.
The six component projects can be divided into two main areas: infrastructure and outreach. They focus on building and developing NeoCity, recruiting skilled workers, ensuring NeoCity meets community needs, and allowing the community to help shape NeoCity in return. Together, these efforts form a powerful combination driving prosperity in Osceola County.
Here’s a closer look at what the Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant is making possible:
Expanding the Center of Neovation
PROJECT LEAD: Osceola County
PARTNERS: SkyWater Technology, BRIDG
Project Completion Date: Fall 2024
Osceola County, with BRIDG, leads this project to expand the Center for Neovation’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. The facility will get major renovations and upgrades in preparation for new equipment purchased through the Advanced Packaging project. When it comes to chip production, infrastructure is critical. To manufacture next generation chips, the factory needs to be free of contaminations to avoid damaging the chips. This project is funding the buildout of clean rooms: ultra-clean factory areas where these chips are manufactured. This project includes the plumbing, electrical, and gas supply lines needed for the clean rooms and the tools inside them.
By expanding the manufacturing capacity in the Center for Neovation, NeoCity will lead the way in the competitive semiconductor industry and place Osceola County at the cutting edge of the technology for decades to come.
Leading Advanced Packaging with New Tools
PROJECT LEAD: BRIDG
PARTNERS: Osceola County, SkyWater Technology
Staying at the forefront of the semiconductor industry demands cutting-edge technology. The Advanced Packaging project is providing NeoCity the ability to do just that. The project is focused on purchasing 17 advanced packaging tools that will significantly boost and expand the production of advanced packaging products. With these new tools, the Center for Neovation can produce a much more integrated product in less time and with less energy requirements. This means a smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient product.
More importantly, the Center for Neovation Expansion and Advanced Packaging projects together make NeoCity a reliable, domestic producer of next generation chip products for the United States. Moreover, this technology is not going anywhere. With the facility and many of the tools inside it being owned by the County, the technology, and the jobs that come along with it, will stay right here in Osceola County for both current and future generations.
Creating a Digital Twin
PROJECT LEAD: University of Central Florida
PARTNERS: BRIDG, SkyWater Technology
The Center for Neovation fabrication facility contains complex and precise processes in manufacturing chips. These processes require cutting-edge testing, training, and data collection methods. The Digital Twin project is creating a virtual model of the chip-making process, giving a detailed view of operations, producing data, and providing an effective training environment for the facility’s operator, SkyWater Technologies.
This forward-thinking innovation allows engineers to test and improve internal processes for production without interrupting the actual machinery. The digital twin is also a pioneering training tool. Workers can practice on a virtual system before using the actual equipment. Not only does the digital twin minimize risk and optimize production, but it can also give the public a rare look into the semiconductor manufacturing process. Virtual demonstrations make it possible to explore the process without the restrictions of stepping into a cleanroom.
Training Osceola’s Workforce
PROJECT LEAD: Orlando Economic Partnership
Upskill Osceola, aims on equipping skilled workers with the training and resources needed to succeed in at NeoCity. It identifies and develops talent from different educational programs and industries, even those seemingly unrelated to tech. For instance, a barista has 14 skills which overlap with a technician role. Their technical skills in handling equipment and attention to detail pave the way for a successful move into the semiconductor industry.
By expanding qualifications and matching educational programs with employers’ needs, NeoCity is creating a skilled workforce ready for today’s tech demands. These high-paying jobs offer residents in our community a new opportunity without forcing them to relocate, providing stable employment opportunities within the local community. This project strengthens the local economy by not only reducing unemployment but also provides a sustainable path to prosperity while keeping families and communities intact.
Connecting for Success
PROJECT LEAD: Orlando Economic Partnership
PARTNERS: Florida High Tech Corridor, Osceola County
Catalyst Osceola, created the region’s new Semiconductor Cluster. Orlando Economic Partnership manages and attracts businesses to Osceola’s semiconductor cluster, which acts as a central hub, fostering collaboration and growth within this specialized industry. When companies see a thriving, supportive system, they’re more likely to want to join as well.
This creates a powerful magnet for attracting new businesses. Companies looking to establish themselves bring their operations and valuable opportunities to the region. As a result, Catalyst Osceola fosters a cycle of investment and job creation, continuously boosting economic growth throughout the county. Through the efforts of OEP and the Florida High-Tech Corridor, the cluster has already surpassed the membership numbers the Build Back Better grant hoped to achieve.
Uniting for Community Impact
PROJECT LEAD: Osceola County
PARTNERS: Osceola Chamber of Commerce Foundation
This project titled Governance & Community Engagement, provides the governance structure for the Coalition including organizing regular update calls, operating the Coalition’s Board meetings, and ensuring all partners in the Coalition are meeting grant requirements. Through the governance aspect of the project, partners also find areas in which they can assist and cooperate with each other as well as seek out additional funding opportunities for NeoCity.
Osceola County leads the governance effort as well as the economic development effort. This initiative focuses on fostering economic growth through infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and business expansion.The goal of the Build Back Better Coalition is to bring economic success to the residents of Osceola County.
The Chamber Foundation leads the community engagement element of the project. The Foundation has created a Community Resource Guide to connect residents in our service area with resources such as childcare, healthcare, upskilling opportunities, education, and their elected officials. The Foundation also represents the Coalition at community events and holds workshops to help residents engage with NeoCity and the growing semiconductor industry as well as collect, analyze, and present community feedback to the County and the Coalition’s board.