The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is launching a new office for public-private partnerships and commercialization of its research.
The UF/IFAS Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation will open May 15 and be the commercial outreach and entrepreneurial development arm of the institute. The goals of this office will be to support faculty as they engage in entrepreneurship and commercialization and to get more UF/IFAS research solutions to the marketplace.
With the Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly declaring agricultural technology as a new “target industry” for Florida in November, UF/IFAS is laying the groundwork to grow this sector across the state. The initiative aims to merge agriculture and technology to create a “hub” for AgTech in Florida, bolstering the economy, supporting rural communities, and enhancing national food security.
Last year, the Florida Department of Commerce added AgTech to a list of target industries which serves as a guide for state and local economic development programs, helping identify sectors with the highest potential to generate significant returns on investment through job creation, innovation and long-term growth.