BRIDG named one of 16 semifinalists in science competition
Just months after the technology farm at NeoCity became the recipient of over $50 million in federal funds as part of the Biden administration’s “Build Back Better” manufacturing spending bill, the tech farm could be in line for much more similar funds.
Friday, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that NeoCity-based BRIDG in Kissimmee is one of 16 finalists in the inaugural Regional Innovation Engines competition.
As part of the “CHIPS and Science Act,” NSF Engines will provide awardees with approximately $15 million for the first two years, with the potential for up to $160 million over a 10-year period, subject to progress assessments, Osceola County announced late Friday afternoon.
To be official, the entry with NSF is listed as “ICAMR Inc.: NSF Engines: Type 2: NeoCity Semiconductor Technology Accelerator” in the area of Microelectronics and Semiconductors. It is the only entry from Florida; the only others in the southeast are from Loiuisiana and North Carolina.
“Being selected as a finalist and the only microelectronic semiconductor manufacturing-focused engine validates our regional coalition efforts to enable and advance the innovation ecosystem in Central Florida,” said Jim Vandevere, president of BRIDG, the local not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in advanced system integration and packaging said in a news release. “As an NSF Engine, our region can leverage existing investments made to positively transform and catalyze NeoCity. We look forward to working with NSF and our partners during the final review process in hopes of receiving an NSF Engine award to help rebuild the manufacturing industrial base and serve as an advanced packaging hub for our nation.”
According to the county, NSF initially narrowed the proposals to 34 semifinalists, and after rigorous assessment, Osceola County emerged as one of the 16 finalists. Each finalist team will undergo interviews in person later this summer and fall to evaluate their adaptability to changing circumstances and their potential impact on regional innovation ecosystems.
The partnerships will expand innovation capabilities and create inclusive technology-driven innovation hubs that will drive economic growth and address critical challenges, the county said. Osceola County, Florida High Tech Corridor, imec, Orlando Economic Partnership, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, Valencia College, and CareerSource Central Florida are among the partnerships in the proposal – a lot of smart people.
