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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Venture Forum
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
FVF is Florida's largest statewide support and networking organization for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Kevin Burgoyne
President + CEO
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
Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council
Economic Development
The FEDC educates, advocates for and connects Florida’s economic development stakeholders.
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
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
