Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/110509
Growing High Tech Industry space and hybrid solar lighting technology for use on Through a unique partnership with dozens of economic military expeditions. development, workforce, academic and industry partners, During 2011/2012, the program generated 87 projects the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) has in partnership with 55 Corridor companies, including 12 supported the growth of high tech industry throughout the companies participating in the MGRP for the first time. The 23-county region for more than 16 years. Council invested nearly $3 million in the projects, while the A regional economic development initiative of three participating companies matched that investment with $8.7 research universities ��� the University of Central Florida, the million in cash, in-kind services and equipment. The total University of South Florida and the University of Florida value of research conducted through the Matching Grants ��� FHTCC has continued to receive national recognition Research Program therefore neared $11.7 million this year. for its efforts to build a region where technology and innovation thrive. Since the inception of the program in 1996, the Council has partnered with more than 350 companies The following overview provides details about the on some 1,200 research projects in sectors ranging from initiatives and programs that helped the Council grow high Agritechnology to Sustainable Energy. The more than $58 tech industry in 2011/2012. million in funds that have been invested by the Council have been matched by corporate cash and in-kind investments Matching Grants Research Program of $153 million, generating an additional $746 million in The key focus of FHTCC has been to foster research quantifiable downstream impacts, resulting in a return of partnerships between high tech industry leaders and $900 million and total project value of nearly $1 billion. our three Corridor universities. Every year, technology The success of the Matching Grants Research Program companies leverage their R&D budgets with FHTCC funds to is largely due to the many talented student and faculty engage world-class research faculty and talented graduate researchers who have participated in the program. During students in solving their commercial challenges through the 2011/2012, approximately 90 student researchers and Council���s Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP). 55 faculty members from our research universities were This year, MGRP projects have furthered innovative engaged in conducting applied research on Corridor technologies such as insulating nanomaterials for use in projects. That brings the total number of students (2,342) florida.HIGH.TECH 2013 fht_annualreport_2013.indd 59 59 2/11/13 2:24 PM