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.
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
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
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
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
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
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
Space Florida
Industry Group
Space Florida strengthens Florida's position as a leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.
Tony Gannon
VP, Research & Innovation
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.
UCF Business Incubation Program
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The program provides business development and operational support to early-stage, innovative businesses.
Carol Ann Logue
Director
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
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
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
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
GrowFL
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
GrowFL is Florida's only organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of second-stage companies.
Jennifer Taylor
CEO
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
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
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 Volusia EDC
Economic Development
Team Volusia markets and recruits businesses from outside the area to Volusia County.
Chris Wimsatt
VP, Business Development
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
