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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
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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
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Cyber Florida

University Research + Innovation
Cyber Florida positions Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research and outreach.
Ernie Ferraresso
Director
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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

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
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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
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Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council

Economic Development
The FEDC educates, advocates for and connects Florida’s economic development stakeholders.

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
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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
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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

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
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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 - 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
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Embarc Collective

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

Florida Polytechnic University

University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
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.

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
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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
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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

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