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.
BRIDG
Industry Group
BRIDG is non-profit microelectronics fabrication facility with 200mm (8-inch) wafer fab capabilities.
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
Groundswell Startups
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Groundswell is a nonprofit incubator serving Space Coast tech founders and innovators.
Jarin Eisenberg
Chief Operations Officer
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
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 Business Incubation Program
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The program provides business development and operational support to early-stage, innovative businesses.
Carol Ann Logue
Director
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
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
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
ERAU is the world's largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace.
Florida Photonics Cluster
Industry Group
The FPC supports the growth and profitability of the photonics industry through the strength of a unified voice.
Barron Mills
Florida Space Institute
University Research + Innovation
FSI supports space research, development and education activities within UCF and member institutions in Florida.
Groundswell Startups
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Groundswell is a nonprofit incubator serving Space Coast tech founders and innovators.
Jarin Eisenberg
Chief Operations Officer
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
StarterStudio
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
StarterStudio is a nonprofit tech accelerator.
Dawn Haynes
CEO & Executive Director
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 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
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
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
