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
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
Cyber Florida
University Research + Innovation
Cyber Florida positions Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research and outreach.
Ernie Ferraresso
Director
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 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
Florida Polytechnic University
University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
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
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED)
Economic Development
PCED encourages business expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers.
Scott Talcott
Business 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 CONNECT
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
USF CONNECT facilitates access to programming, business mentors, university talent and research for startups.
Shannon Pastizzo
Program Director
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
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
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
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED)
Economic Development
PCED encourages business expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers.
Scott Talcott
Business 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
Tampa Bay Wave
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Tampa Bay Wave is a nationally recognized accelerator program that helps build, launch and grow businesses.
Linda Olson
President + CEO
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 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
