In a transformational year for the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, more than $160M in funding for semiconductor research was secured in 2024.
Highlights of the new funding include:
$80M from the State of Florida to establish the Florida Semiconductor Institute
The 2024–25 ‘Focus on Florida’s Future’ budget, signed into law by Governor Ron Desantis on June 12, provides $80 million to the Florida Semiconductor Institute to support workforce development for semiconductor manufacturing. Research and development focused on advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, and assurance is also supported by this major investment from the State of Florida. The institute is led by UF ECE Professor David Arnold.
$27M from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the MEST Center
The Office of the Secretary of Defense recently committed $27M in funding to support the Microelectronics Security Training (MEST) Center, a holistic, well-rounded training program in microelectronics design and security. The center is led by co-directors Dr. Mark Tehranipoor, the Sachio Semmoto Endowed Chair of ECE, and Dr. Waleed Khalil, professor of ECE at the Ohio State University.
$26M from the National Science Foundation for NSF Engine: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation
The Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine is one of 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines and is led by BRIDG, a Florida-based, not-for-profit, public-private partnership focused on developing and commercializing advanced technologies. It is the only engine with a semiconductor focus and will initially receive up to $15 million for the next two years. Working with the Central Florida Engine is a group of ten UF researchers led by ECE Professor Yong-Kyu Yoon.
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$20M from the US CHIPS for America Act to lead the Florida/Caribbean hub of the SMART USA Institute
UF ECE will lead one of seven regional hubs of a new, $285 million nationwide institute ed by the Semiconductor Research Corporation. The SMART USA Institute is dedicated to applying high-fidelity models known as digital twins to advance, accelerate, and optimize manufacturing in the semiconductor industry. Dr. Volker Sorger, the Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Professor of Semiconductor Photonics will lead the activities for the Florida/Carribean hub.
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