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.
CareerSource Flagler|Volusia
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Flagler/Volusia delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Robin King
President + CEO
CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics at UCF
University Research + Innovation
The College of Optics and Photonics is a world leader in education, research and industrial partnership.
David Hagan
Professor + Dean
Florida Space Institute
University Research + Innovation
FSI supports space research, development and education activities within UCF and member institutions in Florida.
GrowFL
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
GrowFL is Florida's only organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of second-stage companies.
Jennifer Taylor
CEO
Orlando Economic Partnership
Economic Development
The Partnership is an economic and community development organization serving Orlando and surrounding areas.
David Adelson
Executive Director, Innovation + Technology
StarterStudio
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
StarterStudio is a nonprofit tech accelerator.
Dawn Haynes
CEO & Executive Director
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.
UCF Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The SBDC at UCF offers support for small business owners in eight surrounding counties.
Eunice Choi
Regional Director
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
CareerSource Central Florida
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Central Florida delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Pamela Nabors
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
City of Ormond Beach
Economic Development
The department implements a robust growth strategy for a strong economy and a high quality of life.
Brian Rademacher
Director of Economic Development
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
ERAU is the world's largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace.
National Center for Simulation
Industry Group
NCS is a national nonprofit with government, academic and industry members operating as an open consortium.
George Cheros
President & CEO
Osceola County
Economic Development
Osceola County's NeoCity initiative is poised to serve as catalyst for high-tech innovation and creation, including jobs and capital investment.
Mike Nichola + Don Fisher
Government Affairs Director + County Manager
Seminole County Office of Economic Development
Economic Development
The economic development team helps businesses locate and grow in the county.
Esteban Saldarriaga
Business Marketing Manager
Team Orlando
Industry Group
Team Orlando supports partnerships that bring ingenuity to the forefront of military training and simulation.
Valencia State College
Talent + Career Development
Valencia is recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation, offering quality, affordable education.
Dr. Nasser Hedayat
Assistant Vice President, Career and Workforce Education
weVENTURE at the Florida Insitute of Technology
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
weVENTURE ignites the economic power of women and entrepreneurs.
Kathryn Rudloff
Executive Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
