The University of Florida (UF) has selected the LaVilla neighborhood in downtown Jacksonville as the location for its new graduate campus, marking a significant step forward in the city’s ambitions to become a leading hub for technology and workforce development. The decision was made by the UF Board of Trustees Governance Committee today, with a full board vote scheduled for Friday.
The campus, which will open in Fall 2026, will include the Florida Semiconductor Institute, one of only seven national research sites focused on advancing semiconductor technology. The Institute will play a pivotal role in reducing America’s reliance on foreign manufacturing while enhancing national security. With $80 million in state funding and additional federal support expected, the Institute will drive innovation in semiconductor research, impacting industries such as defense, aerospace, electronics, and automotive.
“We are excited to partner with the University of Florida to make this campus a reality,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “This campus will be a monumental step towards Jacksonville being a national leader in industries shaping our future.”
The UF campus will offer workforce-oriented graduate programs, with degrees being finalized in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering Management, and Biomedical and Health Sciences. The campus is expected to attract students to Jacksonville’s fast-growing job market.
UF’s vision for the campus aims to create a national center of excellence, providing a thriving environment for students to learn and innovate. Interim UF President Kent Fuchs emphasized the positive impact the graduate programs will have on the state’s economy, positioning Jacksonville at the forefront of technological innovation.
To support the project, Jacksonville’s Deegan Administration, in partnership with the Downtown Investment Authority and City Council, will provide 22 acres of land for the campus. Planning and construction are set to begin in 2025, with $50 million in funding proposed over the next four years, building on a prior $50 million commitment from the City Council in 2023.
This new campus will further energize the LaVilla neighborhood, complementing other ongoing projects aimed at revitalizing downtown Jacksonville. These include the Pearl Square development, Museum of Science and History, Four Seasons hotel, riverfront park systems, and the Stadium of the Future, among others. The campus is expected to play a central role in shaping the city’s future as a technology-driven workforce hub.
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