Go Gators!
Actually, change that rallying cry around these parts to, “Come, Gators!”
County Commissioners Monday approved a three-year lease at NeoCity beginning Nov. 1 with the University of Florida’s Semiconductor Institute (FSI). County officials say its focus will be on building a statewide hub for research development, innovation, and workforce initiatives focused on the semiconductor technology industry. The focus of the NeoCity campus is to be the eastern United States’ hub for those semiconductors and the sensors they power in our cars, phones and other devices.
“The University of Florida’s presence at NeoCity will enhance research opportunities, drive academic industry collaborations, and accelerate technological innovation, contributing to the region’s economic development and establishing it as a center of excellence in education and technology,” the agreement states.
The initial base rent is $25.50 per square foot per year, and increases each year by 3% starting with the second year. The lease agreement includes 724 square feet of rented space on the third floor of the OC Building. UF may extend the lease term for two additional 24-month periods by providing notice three months prior to the expiration of the lease, as indicated in the 25-page agreement.
Earlier this month, the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine hosted a two-day site visit for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) at NeoCity. UF, along with UCF and Valencia College are educational partners in “The Engine”. Other partners include BRIDG, the University of Florida, imec, CareerSource Central Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor, the Orlando Economic Partnership and Osceola County.
NeoCity has received hundreds of millions of dollars in National Science Foundation grants to further the research into the technological advances taking place there.
