West Central: Greater Tampa Bay
West Central
The greater Tampa Bay area is increasingly recognized internationally as a premier high-tech hub. Fueled by an economic engine at the pre-eminent University of South Florida, the local ecosystem benefits from an influx of capital and a tight-knit community of passionate doers with a shared vision for the future.
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.
The AI Education Project
STEM Outreach
The AI Education Project provides curriculum and programming to help students explore tech-enabled careers.
Alex Kotran
Co-Founder and CEO
Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2) of Hillsborough County
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
EDI2 provides grant funding and support for events and opportunities that help entrepreneurs succeed.
Jennifer Whelihan
Economic Development Manager
Florida Polytechnic University
University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI)
STEM Outreach
FCDI supports academic achievement, economic development and the spirit of innovation through active learning projects.
Terri Willingham
Executive Director
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University Research + Innovation
The GCREC offers working research fields and state-of-the-art clean housing and laboratory facilities.
InLab@HCC
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
InLab@HCC is the central hub for innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and social venturing at Hillsborough Community College.
Mary Beth Kerly
Business Associate Professor
Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) at USF
University Research + Innovation
The IAE at USF delivers hardware-and-software-based applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes and technical services.
Sarah Lain
Business Development Director
Tampa Bay Tech
Industry Group
Tampa Bay Tech provides annual programming, networking and initiatives to support the local tech ecosystem.
Virginia Lee
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University of South Florida
University Research + Innovation
A preeminent research university in Tampa, USF empowers students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Research Program Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships
USF CONNECT
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
USF CONNECT facilitates access to programming, business mentors, university talent and research for startups.
Shannon Pastizzo
Program Director
The AI Education Project
STEM Outreach
The AI Education Project provides curriculum and programming to help students explore tech-enabled careers.
Alex Kotran
Co-Founder and CEO
Florida Polytechnic University
University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
Florida Venture Forum
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
FVF is Florida's largest statewide support and networking organization for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Kevin Burgoyne
President + CEO
Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI)
STEM Outreach
FCDI supports academic achievement, economic development and the spirit of innovation through active learning projects.
Terri Willingham
Executive Director
InLab@HCC
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
InLab@HCC is the central hub for innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and social venturing at Hillsborough Community College.
Mary Beth Kerly
Business Associate Professor
Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) at USF
University Research + Innovation
The IAE at USF delivers hardware-and-software-based applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes and technical services.
Sarah Lain
Business Development Director
Synapse Florida
Industry Group
Synapse helps entrepreneurs easily find what they need and share what they have to accelerate their success.
Brian Kornfeld
President + Founder
Tampa Bay Tech
Industry Group
Tampa Bay Tech provides annual programming, networking and initiatives to support the local tech ecosystem.
Virginia Lee
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University of South Florida
University Research + Innovation
A preeminent research university in Tampa, USF empowers students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Research Program Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships
USF CONNECT
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
USF CONNECT facilitates access to programming, business mentors, university talent and research for startups.
Shannon Pastizzo
Program Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
