By Ashley Robinson Behind the sealed doors of a Florida cleanroom, tiny electronic components are being manufactured on silicon wafers. A short distance away, engineers are developing sensors for medical devices, radiation-resistant chips for spacecraft and advanced packaging systems for defense equipment. These products may be microscopic, but they support some of the world’s most important industries.
Florida’s semiconductor sector is smaller than those of Texas, Arizona and California. However, it has developed a valuable position in advanced packaging, MEMS, aerospace electronics, analog chips and semiconductor-production equipment. NeoCity in Osceola County, the Space Coast and the Tampa Bay area are emerging as the state’s main semiconductor centres.
Here are the top five semiconductor companies operating in Florida in 2026.
1. SkyWater Technology
- Headquarters: Bloomington, Minnesota
Florida location: NeoCity, Osceola County
Known for: Advanced packaging and semiconductor development
SkyWater Technology is one of the most important companies in Florida’s developing semiconductor ecosystem. It operates the Center for NeoVation at NeoCity, a 500-acre technology district located near Kissimmee.
The Center for NeoVation covers approximately 109,000 square feet and contains around 36,000 square feet of cleanroom space. It is equipped to work with 200mm semiconductor wafers and supports advanced packaging, process development and microelectronics research.
Advanced packaging allows different chips and electronic components to be combined inside a smaller and more efficient package. This technology is becoming increasingly important in defense systems, medical equipment, artificial intelligence, communication devices and high-performance computing.
SkyWater works with commercial businesses, government agencies and research partners. Its Florida operation is also involved in programs intended to expand trusted domestic production of advanced electronics. The company’s combination of manufacturing infrastructure, technical knowledge and government partnerships gives it a leading position in the state.
2. Renesas Electronics
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Florida location: Palm Bay
Known for: Analog, mixed-signal and high-reliability semiconductors
Renesas Electronics operates a major semiconductor facility in Palm Bay. Unlike a simple sales or engineering office, this operation handles wafer fabrication, semiconductor assembly and product testing.
The facility produces analog and mixed-signal components. Analog chips help electronic devices process signals such as sound, temperature, pressure, voltage and movement. Mixed-signal products combine analog and digital functions within the same semiconductor device.
Renesas’ Palm Bay plant is particularly important for high-reliability electronics used in aerospace and space programs. It produces radiation-hardened integrated circuits that can continue working when exposed to radiation and other harsh conditions beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
These specialized components are used in satellites, spacecraft, industrial equipment and advanced communication systems. Some Intersil-branded Renesas chips manufactured through its high-reliability operations have supported major space missions.
The Palm Bay facility, skilled workforce and connection with the Space Coast’s aerospace industry make Renesas one of Florida’s most significant semiconductor manufacturers.
3. Plasma-Therm
- Headquarters: St. Petersburg, Florida
Main Florida location: St. Petersburg
Known for: Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Plasma-Therm occupies a different but equally valuable position in the semiconductor supply chain. The company does not manufacture ordinary commercial chips. It designs and produces the highly specialized machinery used to make semiconductor devices.
Founded in 1974, Plasma-Therm supplies equipment for plasma etching, thin-film deposition, thermal processing, wafer singulation and surface modification. These processes are essential for creating microscopic electronic structures on semiconductor wafers.
Plasma etching carefully removes selected materials from a wafer. Thin-film deposition places extremely fine layers of conducting or insulating material onto its surface. Singulation separates a processed wafer into individual semiconductor devices.
The company’s equipment is used in semiconductor manufacturing, MEMS, wireless communication, power electronics, photonics, quantum research and advanced packaging. Its customers include universities, research institutions, technology start-ups and commercial manufacturers.
With its headquarters and major operation in St. Petersburg, Plasma-Therm is one of the strongest home-grown companies in Florida’s semiconductor industry.
4. L3Harris Technologies
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida
Main Florida locations: Melbourne and Palm Bay
Known for: Defense microelectronics and aerospace systems
L3Harris Technologies is a major aerospace and defense technology company with deep roots in Florida. Although it is not a traditional consumer-chip manufacturer, advanced semiconductors and microelectronics are essential to many of its products.
The company develops secure communication equipment, sensors, electronic warfare systems, satellite technologies and mission-critical electronics. These systems must operate reliably in demanding environments where ordinary commercial components may not be suitable.
L3Harris has experience in integrated circuits, microsystems, photonics and specialized electronic technologies. Its work supports military aircraft, spacecraft, missile-warning platforms, communication networks and national-security programs.
The company also contributes to Florida’s semiconductor research and workforce-development efforts. Its cooperation with universities and technology organizations helps build the skilled workforce needed for microelectronics design and manufacturing.
L3Harris’ large presence in Melbourne and Palm Bay strengthens the connection between Florida’s semiconductor sector and its established aerospace industry.
5. Rogue Valley Microdevices
- Headquarters: Medford, Oregon
Florida location: Palm Bay
Known for: MEMS and sensor manufacturing
Rogue Valley Microdevices is a pure-play foundry specializing in microelectromechanical systems, better known as MEMS. These miniature devices combine electronic and mechanical functions within extremely small structures.
MEMS technology is used in medical instruments, automobiles, industrial machinery, smartphones, navigation equipment and aerospace systems. MEMS sensors can detect pressure, motion, acceleration, temperature and changes in the surrounding environment.
The company’s Palm Bay microfabrication facility covers approximately 50,000 square feet. It supports process development, prototyping and production for companies that need specialized MEMS devices but do not own semiconductor factories.
One of the facility’s biggest strengths is its capability to work with both 200mm and 300mm wafers. Larger wafers can accommodate more devices during a production cycle, supporting higher manufacturing volumes and potentially lowering the cost per unit.
Its location on the Space Coast also places Rogue Valley Microdevices close to defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers and electronics companies that regularly require advanced sensors.
Florida’s Semiconductor Advantages
Florida’s semiconductor sector is closely connected with industries that already have a strong presence in the state. These include aerospace, defense, space exploration, medical technology, telecommunications and photonics.
The state’s major advantages include:
- NeoCity’s advanced semiconductor infrastructure
- Aerospace and defense companies on the Space Coast
- Specialization in MEMS and intelligent sensors
- Growing advanced-packaging capabilities
- Experienced engineering and technical talent
- Support from universities and government programs
Conclusion
SkyWater Technology leads Florida’s semiconductor expansion through its advanced-packaging operation at NeoCity. Renesas Electronics provides established wafer fabrication and high-reliability chip production in Palm Bay. Plasma-Therm supplies manufacturing equipment to semiconductor customers around the world. L3Harris strengthens the state’s defense microelectronics sector, while Rogue Valley Microdevices adds specialized MEMS and sensor production.
Together, these companies are helping Florida build a semiconductor industry based on advanced packaging, aerospace electronics, sensors and specialized manufacturing.