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For emerging stage technology companies, Metro Orlando offers
university-driven business incubators providing enabling tools,
training and infrastructure to create financially stable high
growth enterprises. Following are brief overviews of a sampling of
organizations providing support to local industries with cross
applications in the biotechnology and life sciences sector:
BIO
The mission of BIO is to be the champion of biotechnology and the
advocate for its member organizations—both large and small.
Information regarding the national bio industry, as well as the BIO
conferences, can be found on BIO’s website.
BioFlorida
BioFlorida, Florida's independent statewide bioscience
organization, serves its members by providing the infrastructure to
exchange information and ideas through industry specific
programming, education, networking and legislative initiatives.
BioFlorida focuses on creating and maintaining a favorable business
and legislative environment; advancing the commercialization of
research; and working with investors, private enterprise,
government, academia and the financial/service sectors to further
develop existing companies, launch start-up companies and attract
new business to Florida.
Central
Florida Research Park
The hub for the region's extensive technology sector is Central
Florida Research Park – one of the top 10 parks of its kind in the
world. Located adjacent to the University of Central Florida (UCF),
the facility brings academia, industry and government together to
pursue collaborative research and technology commercialization.
Florida High Tech Corridor Council
(FHTCC)
A strategic approach to high tech economic development, the FHTCC
was established to attract, retain, and grow high tech industry and
to develop the workforce to support this industry in the 23-county
service areas of the University of Central Florida, University of
Florida, and University of South Florida. Through this partnership,
the universities provide matching grants, workforce development,
cultivation of technology, and a marketing program leveraging
governmental, economic development organization and corporate
budgets on a regional basis.
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
(EDC)
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an
organization that helps business. The EDC is dedicated to meeting
the needs of today's industries and creating a competitive economic
climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, the EDC
provides key services and support, which range from relocation and
expansion expertise to export counsel to long-term planning with
community partners. To attract new business investment, the EDC
markets the Orlando region worldwide as a top location for
business. In addition, the EDC works with local companies to assist
them with expansion plans and other business concerns.
- bioOrlando
bioOrlando is comprised of business leaders from across
the region who are focused on the development of Central Florida's
biotechnology and life sciences industry. Led by the EDC,
bioOrlando pursues initiatives that further accelerate
this already fast-emerging sector. bioOrlando also serves
as the Central Florida chapter of BioFlorida.
Tavistock Group / Lake Nona
Tavistock Group is a global, private investment company that has
grown to encompass a broad portfolio of interests in over 170
companies in 15 countries. Lake Nona, one of the companies major
development projects, is a multi-faceted, 7,000-acre,
master-planned community in the city of Orlando. The centerpiece of
the community is the Lake Nona Medical City. This includes the
University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Sanford-Burnham
Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando VA Medical Center,
Nemours Children's Hospital and University of Florida Research and
Academic Center.
UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP)
Nine facilities comprise the UCFBIP, providing early-stage tech
companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to create
financially stable, high-growth companies. Since opening in 1999,
the Incubator Program has helped 160 emerging companies (including
200 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total
economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary
of $59,000.
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