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 Flagler|Volusia
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Flagler/Volusia delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Robin King
President + CEO
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
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.
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.
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
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
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.
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
Duke Energy Corporation
Corporate Innovation
Sustaining Sponsor
Duke Energy is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations.John Fremstad
Director of Innovation + Competitiveness
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
GrowFL
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
GrowFL is Florida's only organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of second-stage companies.
Jennifer Taylor
CEO
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
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
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
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
