JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida is opening a new graduate campus in Jacksonville dubbed the “Florida Semiconductor Institute.”
The Florida Board of Governors approved the decision on Wednesday. UF will offer classes at a temporary site — the JEA headquarters — starting next fall until a permanent site is selected.
The graduate campus will offer courses in artificial intelligence and technology. Semiconductors, more commonly known as microchips, are an essential component in the fabrication of electronic devices, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.
The total cost to build the brand-new campus is around $300 million. UF already has $250 million and needs $50 million more.
So far, the state legislature already earmarked $45 million for the facility and another $35 million for operations. Governor DeSantis committed to funding $80 million for the Florida Semiconductor Institute which would create more semiconductor jobs in the state.
Jacksonville native Alex Hamler doesn’t think it’s worth the investment.
“I mean it could bring in money but bringing in money is one thing but if you’re not using it for the right things then what good is that money,” Hamler said.
The new campus will be located on the top floor of the JEA building on Pearl Street. The location is temporary until a permanent campus is found in downtown Jacksonville.
The stadium and convention center are two possible locations on the table, but a final decision won’t be made until summer 2024.
UF will offer nine graduate degrees and enroll up to 1,000 students.
City Council President Ron Salem said this development will be a game changer for the city.
“I think it’s tremendous to have all those graduate students here,” Salem said. “I think what’s happening at UF Health and its graduate campus will be great for Jacksonville, you’ve got the law school as well downtown, I think it’s all great news for Jacksonville.”