Home » Region » West Central: Greater Tampa Bay

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.

logo-Bradenton Area

Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation

Economic Development
Bradenton Area EDC works to create high-wage jobs and connect established businesses to resources.
Max Stewart
Director of Global Business Development
logo - CFDC

Central Florida Development Council (CFDC)

Economic Development
CFDC attracts and support growing businesses to promote economic development in Polk County.
Alex Price
Business Development Associate
logo - Duke Energy Corporation

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
logo - Embarc Collective

Embarc Collective

Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Embarc Collective is a nonprofit hub deliver that provides individualized support to Tampa Bay startups.
Lakshmi Shenoy
CEO

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The FIHOF supports a culture of creativity to fuel innovation, drive economic growth and encourage investment.
Jamie Spurrier
Program Manager
logo - FCDI

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
logo - Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

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.

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
logo - Tampa Bay Economic Development

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 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
logo - Duke Energy Corporation

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
logo - Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council

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
logo - Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

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

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

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
logo - Tampa Bay Economic Development

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
logo - University South Florida

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
logo - CAMLS

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

From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry