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.
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.
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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.
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
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
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.
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
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
