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.
CareerSource Central Florida
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Central Florida delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Pamela Nabors
President & CEO
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.
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
FloridaMakes
Industry Group
FloridaMakes improves the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of Florida's manufacturers.
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
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
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
UCF Institute for Simulation and Training
University Research + Innovation
IST provides cutting-edge, human-centered simulation research and a transdisciplinary graduate program.
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 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
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
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
UCF Institute for Simulation and Training
University Research + Innovation
IST provides cutting-edge, human-centered simulation research and a transdisciplinary graduate program.
UCF NanoScience Technology Center
University Research + Innovation
The center conducts cutting-edge research in materials and nanotechnology to solve real-world challenges.
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
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
