The Florida High Tech Corridor is more than an initiative or facilitator; it’s a force multiplier. We lead Cenfluence, the Central Florida Cluster Initiative.
Since 1996, The Florida High Tech Corridor has been a force multiplier working to unleash the exponential potential of the 23-county region we represent. Anchored by three of the country’s top research institutions–University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and the University of Florida–we converge and catalyze the capacity of high tech, innovation and bright minds to generate a gl
obal ripple effect that advances the lives of people in the communities we serve. Powered by an ethos of collaboration, we align opportunities, funding and resources in academia, industry and economic development to unleash our region’s expotential. The industry clusters we help amplify include:
• Aerospace + Aviation
• Agritechnology
• Energy + Environmental Sciences
• Financial Technology
• Gaming, Entertainment + eSports
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences + Medical Technologies
• Microelectronics, Nanotechnology + Sensors
• Modeling, Simulation + Training
• Optics + Photonics
We enable applied research partnerships through our Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP), which has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact to date. We help convene a network designed to support women entrepreneurs in the development of their competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Catalyst Prize grant applications. Learn more at http://Cenfluence.com. We accelerate community-driven innovation by investing critical seed funds and grants to start and scale projects that revolutionize the way we make and use technology, train next-generation STEM professionals and celebrate innovators whose technologies are positively transforming our world. We inspire the bright minds of our future high-tech workforce through stemCONNECT, a resource for educators that reinforces STEM classroom education. How can we help unleash your expotential? Learn more at http://FloridaHighTech.com.
02/06/2025
Join the next Virtual Training Series with our FL FAST program to learn all about building your team to improve your SBIR/STTR proposal.
⭐ Building a Quality SBIR Team: Find out how to choose the right Project Investigator for your SBIR proposal, and how to use sub-contractors, Advisory Boards and Technical Advisers to strengthen your company and proposals.
Join the FL FAST program for the next session in the Virtual Training Series to understand how to take advantage of funding from 11 participating federal agencies that distribute SBIR/STTR awards.
⭐Grantsmanship, Formatting and Readability for SBIR/STTR
Learn about how a good SBIR/STTR proposal is made infinitely better by writing and formatting that enhances readability by reviewers and showcases your technology to its best advantage. Improve the competitiveness of your proposal with tips and best practices for making it look good and read well.
Join the FL FAST program for our first session in a series to help small businesses tap into the nation's largest source of early-stage startup funding for research and development.
⭐ SBIR/STTR: ABCs will review the SBIR/STTR program eligibility requirements, the difference between SBIR and STTR, the company registrations required, the federal agencies that participate, and how to determine which agency is right for you.
Meet Kelly Shea, a Cenfluence Cluster Coordinator enthusiastic about supporting our regional innovation ecosystem. 💡
While still in college, Kelly invented DripLock, a device that prevents pump bottles from spilling during travel. Now, the UCF Knight is thrilled to apply her entrepreneurial spirit to building the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. 🧩
Recognized as an Orlando Inno Under 25 honoree, Kelly plays a crucial role in cluster management.
Mark your calendars for August 7th from 1 to 2:30 PM because FL FAST is hosting a must-attend webinar on Department of Defense Program & Components Overview.
Join BBCetc who is nationally recognized for its success in helping emerging companies win SBIR/STTR funding and use it strategically to propel growth as they lead this webinar.
Meet SynMatter, a Space Coast startup that’s leveraging NASA technology to tackle a trillion-dollar corrosion problem.
SynMatter’s innovative surface coatings, which include smart particles that sense and react to environmental changes, are designed to mitigate corrosion and biofouling of critical structures. But that's not all … the team is also working on enhancing fertilizers, personal care products, and household cleaners with their technology.
SynMatter is a shining example of the incredible innovation happening right here in The Corridor thanks to our collaborative ecosystem.
Learn more: [story link]
Its ecosystem resources and supporters include:
• Cenfluence Energy + Environmental Sciences Cluster Inaugural Member
• FL FAST (Supported Phase I NASA SBIR Proposal)
• UCF I-Corps Program
• Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center (AMPAC) at UCF
• Space Florida
• Florida Venture Forum
• Synapse Florida
• Cade Prize Finalist, 2017
07/09/2024
Through digital simulation planning, 3D printing and custom-made implants, Techfit Digital Surgery is pioneering bone reconstruction surgery for patients affected by trauma, infection and cancer.
In 2018, the startup moved from Colombia to Daytona Beach, and has since experienced rapid growth thanks to Central Florida’s nurturing ecosystem for health care and medical technology innovators.
TECHFIT’s ecosystem resources and supporters:
• Cenfluence Cluster Member (Life Sciences and Gaming, Entertainment + eSports)
• Housed at the Micaplex
• Mayo Clinic Life Sciences Incubator Client
• UCF Business Incubator Soft Landing Program
• Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
• Florida Early-Stage Capital Conference (Florida Venture Forum)
• GrowFL
07/02/2024
Meet Carol Nasseh, our Life Sciences Senior Cluster Manager, who is dedicated to championing growth and connections. 🌍
Carol is driven to get the most out of the life science cluster members she serves, working diligently to build bridges between organizations and empowering companies to reach their goals.
With a background in guiding international companies through trade and strategic relationships, Carol is well equipped to utilize the resources of the regional ecosystem to promote organizational success. 🌟
When she's not supporting the life sciences community, you'll find her exploring local and state parks with her children. 🌳
🌟Our very own Cenfluence Director, Steve Nakagawa, was awarded the Colonel Joe Kittinger Award on Saturday night from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority for both his excellence in aviation and community service.
Captain Steve Nakagawa continues to serve our local community through his work with the Florida High Tech Corridor and other organizations. His sense of service makes him a wonderful leader for our Cenfluence team and an asset to the community!
More than 2 million Americans are affected by aphasia, a language-processing disorder typically caused by a stroke. iNur Technologies, a USF spinoff led by CEO & President Scott Burgin, a professor and division director of vascular neurology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is developing AI-enabled tools to help people with aphasia re-engage in conversations with confidence.
The company is also exploring how its technology may be applied to help overcome the barrier between speakers of different languages.
Learn more: [story link]
iNur Technologies’ ecosystem resources and supporters:
• FL FAST (Supported Successful SBIR Proposal)
• University of South Florida Research & Innovation
• USF Foundation
06/24/2024
🌟 The Florida High Tech Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) is a game-changer for hundreds of University of Central Florida and University of South Florida students and dozens of regional companies every year.
Students are seizing the opportunity to tackle real-world industry challenges and gaining invaluable research experience alongside distinguished faculty. 🎓
Industry partners are accessing the expertise of renowned researchers while building relationships with students who may someday become employees. 🤝
Meet the some of the brilliant students who have thrived with Corridor support. They are developing innovative products, engaging with industry partners, learning from accomplished researchers, boosting their business acumen and shaping the future with their dedication and ingenuity. 🌟
Meet Jennifer McKinley, a passionate University Of Central Florida alumna dedicated to empowering small businesses! 🚀
As the director of our Matching Grants Research Program, Jennifer strives to foster connections that turn innovative ideas into tangible products and opportunities.
With over 25 years of entrepreneurial, operational, and business development expertise, Jennifer is thrilled to leverage her skills to uplift the ecosystem.
She advocates for the power of connections across academia, industry, and government, and she drives meaningful change by spearheading a program that champions impactful research investment. 💡
Meet Elizabeth Nelson, the powerhouse behind groundbreaking connections at the University of South Florida! 🌟
As Program Director leading the Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) at USF for The Corridor, she bridges the gap between university researchers and industry partners, igniting collaborations that drive real-world impact.
Nelson’s proudest moments include creating lasting collaborations and implementing two innovative programs for USF faculty and students supporting their early-stage innovations and undergraduate research.
When Elizabeth isn't building bridges between academia and industry, you might find her enjoying a Hazy IPA and a game of Connect 4 with her family.
Last week our CEO, Paul Sohl, and Florida Inventor's Hall of Fame's Madeline Stoddard attended and judged at the Invention Convention in Dearborn, MI. The top 450 out of 150,000 K-12 students competed and presented their invention to expert judges, showcasing their incredible ideas at the national level for a chance to continue on to the America's Competition.
Some students life-improving inventions included:
✨The Happy Gown developed as a hospital gown that is significantly easier to dress patients in.
✨Another group invented a mood hat to assist students with disabilities that have difficulties expressing themselves or cannot speak.
✨Dynamic Dining was invented as a way for diners to determine if things are too hot or cold to drink, using similar science to the color changing cups.
The inventions were impressive and incredibly well-thought-out, researched, ideated, built, tested, and modified. Student programs like this fuel our innovation ecosystem and help students develop essential skills and ideas to shape our bright future!
06/07/2024
Meet Sierra Perez, a proud University of South Florida alum dedicated to advancing the university's reputation as a research powerhouse!
Sierra believes that ecosystem building is not about finding a straight line to success; it is about bringing everyone in an ecosystem together in an upward trajectory. 📈💡
The success of programs such as The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program, Early-Stage Innovation Fund and Undergraduate Research Initiative are testaments to Sierra’s diligent work. ⭐
Our team had a fantastic time at the Florida Venture Forum's Early Stage Venture Conference!✨
On Tuesday, we were inspired by an amazing workshop presentation from Troy Knauss, which provided invaluable insights and strategies for early-stage ventures. Wednesday was action-packed with networking opportunities, engaging pitches from innovative startups, and insightful discussions with industry leaders.
Our team members at Cenfluence had an exciting time watching cluster members pitch and assisted in making new key connections.
It was a truly enriching experience, filled with learning and collaboration. What a great event!
06/05/2024
Happy World Environment Day!
Across our 23-county region, there are countless entrepreneurs working on game-changing products and solutions that protect our environment and promote sustainability. 🌱
If you’re one of these innovators, we’re proud to support you! Check out our Energy + Environmental Sciences resource guide for more information on funding opportunities, events and mentorships to serve your company’s needs:
Join us on June 5 from 1 to 2:30 PM on Developing your SBIR/STTR Budget to learn from Shannon Bass.
Shannon is a BBCetc Co-owner and Executive Consultant. She joined the BBCetc team in 2018 bringing with her 28 years of management experience in the biotechnology industry and as an independent SBIR/STTR consultant. Shannon’s career began with an animal health start-up out of the University of Kentucky, which was later purchased by Neogen Corporation. She continued in senior management with Neogen for 17 years in the areas of quality control/ assurance, regulatory, pharmaceutical manufacturing and technical services. Later she became CEO of a biotech start-up which brought to market a veterinary research device and president of another medical device firm developing a product for treatment of late-stage lung cancer. She holds B.S. degree in Agriculture from Murray State University in Kentucky.
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The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is an economic development initiative to grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it across 23 counties.
Chaired by presidents of the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida, The Corridor Council is a catalyst for innovation, connecting partners in academia, industry and economic development who call the region home.
In 1996, a small team of the area’s leaders recognized the need for a more comprehensive proposal to secure the future expansion of a semiconductor plant in Central Florida. The team’s success led to the founding of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and the creation of its cornerstone Matching Grants Research Program, which would grow to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact.
Today, the organization’s portfolio of programs includes stemCONNECT, a free web-based solution for teachers that inspires K-12 students to pursue high tech careers; the Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center, a preeminent business resource and online community for Florida entrepreneurs; and, Talent Forum, an annual event bringing together the region’s high tech industry representatives with university career center professionals to discuss talent needs, recruiting strategies and job opportunities in The Corridor.
