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
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
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.
National Academy of Inventors
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The NAI encourages inventors in academia, following the model of the National Academies of the United States.
Jamie Renee
Executive Director
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC)
Economic Development
Pasco EDC fosters economic vitality and business development opportunities in Pasco County.
Turner Arbour
Workforce Development Manager
St. Pete Innovation District (SPID)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
SPID helps generate, sharpen and accelerate the advancement of ideas in the region.
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)
University Research + Innovation
CAMLS is one of the world’s largest, free-standing simulation facilities for training healthcare professionals.
Haru Okuda
Executive 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
Cyber Florida
University Research + Innovation
Cyber Florida positions Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research and outreach.
Ernie Ferraresso
Director
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
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.
St. Pete Innovation District (SPID)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
SPID helps generate, sharpen and accelerate the advancement of ideas in the region.
Alison Barlow
Executive 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 Economic Development Council (EDC)
Economic Development
The Tampa Bay EDC is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and nearby cities.
Adam Myers
Director, Business Development
USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)
University Research + Innovation
CAMLS is one of the world’s largest, free-standing simulation facilities for training healthcare professionals.
Haru Okuda
Executive Director
USF CONNECT
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
USF CONNECT facilitates access to programming, business mentors, university talent and research for startups.
Shannon Pastizzo
Program Director
USF Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The SBDC at USF offers support for small business owners in the Tampa Bay region.
Carl Hadden
Regional Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
