Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54910
Growing High Tech Industry Through a unique partnership with dozens of economic development, workforce, academic and industry partners, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) has supported high tech industry throughout the 23-county region for nearly 16 years. A regional economic development initiative of three research universities – the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida – FHTCC has continued to receive national recognition for its efforts to build a region where technology and innovation thrive. The following overview provides details about the initiatives and programs that helped the Council grow high tech industry in 2010/2011. Matching Grants Research Program Since its inception, FHTCC has focused on fostering applied research between Corridor universities and their high tech industry partners. This opportunity to work with experienced faculty and top-notch graduate students on applied research projects draws technology companies from across the Corridor to participate in the Florida High Tech Corridor Council's Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) each year. Through the program, companies work with university researchers to develop innovative technologies with real- world applications. This year, MGRP projects included research into the use of haptic interfaces to support combat medic training programs and the development of unique automated marketplace software among many others. The Matching Grants Research Program has had a significant impact not only on the university researchers and companies involved, but also on the region's overall economy. Over its 16-year history, the MGRP has leveraged $57 million to create a direct and indirect economic impact of more than $1 billion across the region. During 2010/2011, the program generated 95 projects in partnership with 64 Corridor companies, including nine companies participating in the MGRP for the first time. The Council invested more than $3 million in the projects, while the participating companies matched that investment with $9.2 million in cash, in-kind services and equipment. The total value of research conducted through the Matching Grants Research Program therefore exceeded $12.2 million this year. Since the inception of the program in 1996, the Council has partnered with more than 350 companies on more than 1,200 research projects in sectors ranging from Agritechnology to Sustainable Energy. The nearly $57 million in funds that have been invested by the Council have been matched by corporate cash and in-kind investments florida.HIGH.TECH 2012 59