The Bellini Center for Talent Development in the Muma College of Business and USF CONNECT will be honored with Tampa Bay Inno Awards at a ceremony hosted by the Tampa Bay Business Journal on Thursday, November 14. Nominated in the Supporter category, both entities are being recognized for their impact on the local innovation ecosystem.
Bellini Center staff Pavla Ozkul, Cyndy Sandberg and Jennifer Saible
“The Bellini Center is improving and defining the professionalism of this future generation of employees, which benefits retention rates and leads to the development of more innovative, creative, and powerful companies and communities,” said Bellini Center Executive Director Cyndy Sanberg. “Access to top talent and having a diverse talent pool are the top reasons companies choose Tampa Bay and partnering with the Bellini Center makes this easy and rewarding.”
While the Bellini Center focuses on cultivating student talent and preparing the next generation of business leaders in Tampa Bay, USF CONNECT provides a launchpad for startups and early-stage ventures through its Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, Evolve Accelerator and Student Innovation Incubator.
“USF CONNECT unites technology and talent with businesses across Tampa Bay by connecting USF researchers, faculty members, students and inventors with local organizations, economic development councils, industry, and capital funding sources,” said USF CONNECT Director Shannon Pastizzo. “We support Tampa Bay technology and bio/life sciences entrepreneurs by providing resources for business development and technology commercialization.”
The Bellini Center and USF CONNECT emphasize building a skilled talent pipeline, workforce and robust business community, directly benefiting the Tampa Bay region. This shared focus helps reinforce the economic growth that comes from nurturing both talent and startups, ensuring that new ideas, and well-prepared business leaders are continuously emerging from USF to enrich the local economy. Together, they exemplify how USF not only develops talent and ideas but actively supports the growth of Tampa Bay’s innovation community. Through these synergistic efforts, USF plays a transformative role in building a thriving, future-ready entrepreneurial landscape in the region.