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.
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
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
Economic Development Commission Florida’s Space Coast
Economic Development
The EDC of Florida’s Space Coast is the official economic development organization for Brevard County.
Edgar Campa-Palafox
VP, Business Development
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
ERAU is the world's largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace.
Dr. Stephanie Miller
Executive Director, Tech Transfer + Research Park Initiatives
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.
Diana Teel
Outreach Director + Central Florida Tech Bridge Director
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
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.
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
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
Elevate Lake, Lake County Economic Development
Economic Development
Elevate Lake is on a mission is to aggressively retain, attract and grow jobs in Lake County.
Erika Greene
Associate Director, Workforce + Business Support
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
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.
Diana Teel
Outreach Director + Central Florida Tech Bridge Director
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.
Team Volusia EDC
Economic Development
Team Volusia markets and recruits businesses from outside the area to Volusia County.
Chris Wimsatt
VP, Business Development
UCF Business Incubation Program
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The program provides business development and operational support to early-stage, innovative businesses.
Carol Ann Logue
Director
UCF NanoScience Technology Center
University Research + Innovation
The center conducts cutting-edge research in materials and nanotechnology to solve real-world challenges.
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
