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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
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
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
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
