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 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 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
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
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
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
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
Team Volusia EDC
Economic Development
Team Volusia markets and recruits businesses from outside the area to Volusia County.
Chris Wimsatt
VP, Business Development
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
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
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
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
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
StarterStudio
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
StarterStudio is a nonprofit tech accelerator.
Dawn Haynes
CEO & Executive Director
Team Orlando
Industry Group
Team Orlando supports partnerships that bring ingenuity to the forefront of military training and simulation.
Team Volusia EDC
Economic Development
Team Volusia markets and recruits businesses from outside the area to Volusia County.
Chris Wimsatt
VP, Business Development
UCF Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center (AMPAC)
University Research + Innovation
AMPAC is an interdisciplinary research and education center for materials science and engineering at UCF.
UCF NanoScience Technology Center
University Research + Innovation
The center conducts cutting-edge research in materials and nanotechnology to solve real-world challenges.
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
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
