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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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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

Florida Polytechnic University

University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
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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.
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Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council

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

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

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
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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

Florida Polytechnic University

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

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
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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 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
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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
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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