Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC)
Connecting Corridor Companies to Defense Opportunities
The Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) is a regional initiative designed to help small businesses across the Florida High Tech Corridor connect with opportunities in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
The program helps technology-focused companies identify defense market opportunities, navigate government contracting, pursue SBIR/STTR funding, strengthen cybersecurity readiness, and connect with defense customers, prime contractors, research institutions, and business support resources.
The Regional Innovation Cluster is managed by the Florida High Tech Corridor and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Who We Serve
The Regional Innovation Cluster supports small businesses and entrepreneurs located throughout the Florida High Tech Corridor’s 23-county region that are:
- Developing innovative technologies with defense applications
- Exploring entry into government and defense markets
- Pursuing SBIR/STTR or other federal R&D funding opportunities
- Looking to connect with military customers, prime contractors, and suppliers
- Seeking support with cybersecurity, commercialization, manufacturing, or growth planning
Industries served include:
- Aerospace & Space Technologies
- Modeling, Simulation & Training
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Electronics & Sensors
- Engineering & Technical Services
- Research & Development
- Other DiB Technologies & Markets
How We Help
Participating companies receive individualized support and connections to resources across the region which may include:
Defense Market Readiness
- Defense market assessments
- Customer discovery
- Procurement opportunity identification
Federal Funding Support
- SBIR/STTR opportunity identification
- Connections to university research partners
- Technology transition support
Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Cybersecurity readiness guidance
- CMMC resource referrals
- Export control and intellectual property considerations
Growth & Commercialization
- Capital and investor resources
- Manufacturing and supply chain connections
- Workforce and talent resources
Service Area
The Regional Innovation Cluster serves businesses located throughout the 23-county region of the Florida High Tech Corridor.
Get Connected
Whether you’re an established defense contractor, an innovative startup, or a technology company exploring defense markets for the first time, the Regional Innovation Cluster can help you identify the right opportunities, partners, and resources.
Contact Us
Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration
This is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC), an SBA-funded program providing support to innovative small businesses and startups across the country. To learn more about the SBA Regional Innovation Cluster program and connect with other RICs, visit sba.gov.