East Central: Greater Orlando and the Space Coast
East Central
The boundless ingenuity shaping Greater Orlando’s innovation ecosystem is an outgrowth of the aerospace and entertainment industries that for decades have attracted global recognition. Opportunity starts at the University of Central Florida, which has grown to become not only one of the largest universities in the nation, but also one of the most impactful engines of economic growth.
Anchoring The Corridor’s network in East Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Program facilitates smarter, faster growth for tech startups and companies expanding to the region. The team leverages a deep resource network of university researchers, industry trade groups, capital investors and federal procurement partners to support new and potential clients.
trusted collaborators + connections
Our work is powered by collaborative relationships with trusted individuals and organizations that share our spirit of innovation and desire to help.
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Industry Group
NAWCTSD is the principal Navy center for R&D, test and evaluation, acquisition and product support of training systems.
Outreach Director + Central Florida Tech Bridge Director
CareerSource Central Florida
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Central Florida delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Pamela Nabors
President & CEO
CareerSource Flagler|Volusia
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Flagler/Volusia delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Robin King
President + CEO
City of Orlando
Economic Development
The economic development team provides assistance to business owners and companies looking to locate in Orlando.
Sherry Gutch
Director of Placemaking
Duke Energy Corporation
Corporate Innovation
Sustaining Sponsor
Duke Energy is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations.John Fremstad
Director of Innovation + Competitiveness
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
GrowFL
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
GrowFL is Florida's only organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of second-stage companies.
Jennifer Taylor
CEO
UCF Institute for Simulation and Training
University Research + Innovation
IST provides cutting-edge, human-centered simulation research and a transdisciplinary graduate program.
Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
VEI empowers and supports veteran entrepreneurs through business guidance, education, and mentorship.
Ricardo Garcia
Co-Founder, Director of Programs
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
BRIDG
Industry Group
BRIDG is non-profit microelectronics fabrication facility with 200mm (8-inch) wafer fab capabilities.
City of Orlando
Economic Development
The economic development team provides assistance to business owners and companies looking to locate in Orlando.
Sherry Gutch
Director of Placemaking
Daytona State College
Talent + Career Development
DSC offers over 100 certificate and degree programs in healthcare, engineering, computer science and more.
Dante Leon
AVP for the College of Business, Engineering + Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
ERAU is the world's largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando (HCMO)
Industry Group
HCCMO is the largest business-related organization representing the Hispanic community in Central Florida.
Gaby Ortigoni
President & CEO
Orange County Government Economic Development
Economic Development
The Economic Development department fosters a vibrant economy where creativity and innovation flourish.
Simone Babb
Chief Innovation and Emerging Technologies Officer
Team Orlando
Industry Group
Team Orlando supports partnerships that bring ingenuity to the forefront of military training and simulation.
UCF Institute for Simulation and Training
University Research + Innovation
IST provides cutting-edge, human-centered simulation research and a transdisciplinary graduate program.
UCF NanoScience Technology Center
University Research + Innovation
The center conducts cutting-edge research in materials and nanotechnology to solve real-world challenges.
Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
VEI empowers and supports veteran entrepreneurs through business guidance, education, and mentorship.
Ricardo Garcia
Co-Founder, Director of Programs
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
