Florida High Tech Corridor
Florida High Tech Corridor at USF
supporting research and early-stage innovation
An economic development initiative of three research universities – the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida – Florida High Tech Corridor converges and catalyzes the capacity of high tech, innovation and bright minds across a 23-county region to generate a global ripple effect that advances the lives of people in the communities it serves.
Funding Opportunities for Research and Innovation
The Corridor offers multiple funding opportunities and support resources at USF for collaborative industry research, early-stage faculty innovation, and undergraduate research through the:
- Corridor Matching Grant Research Program: Supports collaborative research projects between USF faculty and local industry partners
- Corridor Early-Stage Innovation Fund: Supports USF-developed innovations with commercial or community impact
- Corridor Undergraduate Research Initiative: Funding to provide USF students with high-impact research experiences
FL FAST: Centralized SBIR/STTR Support for Florida-based Entreprenuers STTR SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Powered the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, The Corridor’s “FL FAST” initiative is Florida’s first centralized support system for companies pursuing SBIR/STTR awards.
FL FAST serves small businesses statewide with an emphasis on women-owned, rural-based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses pursuing research and innovation activities in The Corridor’s 23-county region and beyond. Services include in-person and virtual workshops, and one-on-one assistance to meet business needs in key areas, such as topical award identification, budget preparation, proposal review, support letters and research partnerships. FL FAST also serves as an important resource for entrepreneurial support organizations, sharing resources, events, solicitations, legislative actions and other information relevant to driving SBIR/STTR outcomes.
To learn more about the program, please visit the Corridor's FL FAST page. To recieve access on-demand training materials, webinars and other resources, indiviuals must register for the program here.
Contact Information
Elizabeth Nelson
Program Director - Florida High Tech Corridor
813-974-3291
ernelson1@usf.edu