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Are you starting or growing your technology business in Tampa Bay?
Are you looking for resources and other support?
If so, the recently published Tampa Bay Innovation Ecosystem Map might be useful. A group of support organizations, led by the Innovation District and fueled by a grant from Duke Energy, developed this map in 2023. The group recognized that funding, coaching, partnerships, etc. available can depend on the company’s stage of growth, industry focus, target customers, or founder background. For entrepreneurs, this network of support organizations can be challenging to navigate. The hope is that this map helps direct entrepreneurs to the best possible resources. The map was developed through surveys and interviews of over 100 support organizations - a special thanks to all of them for assisting!
There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation.
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
The University of South Florida (USF) has announced its intention to create a college focused on the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and computing, with the goal of positioning the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida as a national leader. USF is the first university in Florida and among the first in the nation to announce plans to create a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity.