Florida’s semiconductor and microelectronics sector has experienced significant growth over recent decades, becoming a hub for numerous companies and creating thousands of high-wage jobs. This expansion is supported by targeted investments in workforce development and infrastructure.
To further strengthen the state’s position in this critical industry, the Florida High Tech Corridor and the University of South Florida (USF) have launched a partnership aimed at training graduate students in semiconductor and microelectronics technology. The collaboration supports students enrolled in the National Science Foundation’s National Research Traineeship (NRT) program at USF, which focuses on areas such as semiconductor design, manufacturing, and packaging.
Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, stated: “The future of the semiconductor industry depends on people as much as technology. By investing in the training of the next generation of leaders, we’re ensuring Florida has the talent needed to drive innovation, strengthen our economy, and compete globally in this vital sector for decades to come.”
The partnership provides supplemental financial support from The Corridor to NRT trainees who do not qualify for external fellowships. This funding adds to a five-year, $3 million NSF grant awarded to USF in 2024 that supports an experiential education and research program focused on next-generation microelectronics. The initiative is led by Professor Ashok Kumar from USF’s College of Engineering alongside a multidisciplinary team with expertise across various engineering disciplines as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ashok Kumar highlighted ongoing challenges within the industry: “A much-publicized semiconductor chips shortage has impacted several critical industries. A skilled and diverse pipeline of workers is critical to building a sustainable domestic semiconductor industry and to achieving the CHIPS Act economic and national security goals. This NRT grant will provide to better prepare master’s and doctoral students for the interdisciplinary talents required in semiconductor chip development.”
Graduate students receive comprehensive support including annual stipends from both NSF NRT ($34,000) and The Corridor ($34,000), along with paid tuition and fees. They also gain practical experience through hands-on research opportunities in advanced semiconductor technology labs equipped with state-of-the-art tools at USF’s Nanotechnology Research and Education Center.
Beyond financial aid and technical training, participants benefit from professional development activities covering entrepreneurship, leadership, communication skills, project management, summer internships, international research experiences, and can earn a Semiconductors & Microelectronics Technology Certificate. An advisory board composed of leaders from academia and industry helps guide program content.
The initiative collaborates closely with organizations such as the Florida Semiconductor Institute and aligns with efforts like the Florida Semiconductor Engine based at NeoCity in Osceola County.
