Leaders discussed their hallmark partnership approach, the role of universities in Florida’s innovation economy and how their universities are preparing the next generation of innovators. Photo provided 

TAMPA, Fla. — Leaders of the 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor today shared the stage at Synapse Summit 2022 where they celebrated a 25-year legacy of partnership and innovation and unveiled a commitment to “unleash the region’s expotential.”

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs, University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright and Interim University of South Florida President Rhea Law participated in a discussion moderated by The Corridor’s CEO Paul Sohl, Rear Adm. USN (ret), about their hallmark partnership approach, the role of universities in Florida’s innovation economy and how their universities are preparing the next generation of innovators.

As leaders reflected on The Corridor’s rich history and shared their vision for the future, their commitment to “unleash the region’s expotential” conveyed a new promise built around four themes that will cement The Corridor’s strategy moving forward: boundary-breaking collaboration, community-driven innovation, serving the underserved and maximizing resources to fuel meaningful outcomes. Three significant themes emerged from the panel discussion:

For the last 25 years, The Corridor has been a force multiplier, harnessing the power of “coopetition” to create a high-tech center of gravity along the I-4 corridor. Its unwavering commitment to connect, collaborate and convene partners across academia, industry and in the community has nurtured a robust innovation economy across 23 counties in Florida. Together with its partners, The Corridor has generated billions of dollars in downstream economic impacts through initiatives that accelerate research and development, inspire and train students to pursue STEM-based careers, and advance the quality of life in our communities through technological innovation and technology-enabled initiatives. Newer programs such as Cenfluence, the Central Florida Cluster Initiative, and a formalized mentorship program for women business owners pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants exhibit an intensified focus on core themes driving the new brand. Thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, resource organizations and others from the innovation community in Florida and beyond enjoyed a front-row seat to the presidents’ conversation and brand reveal, both in person and online. A recording will also be made available to subscribers of The Corridor’s new podcast: Tech’s Potential. Learn more about The Corridor and how to connect at www.floridahightech.com.

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