±«Óãtv CONNECT
±«Óãtv CONNECT Incubators and Accelerators
supporting start-ups with research and resources
±«Óãtv CONNECT is the business and economic development initiative of the University of South Florida (±«Óãtv) that provides comprehensive support for companies, including technology and life science startups. By facilitating access to top-tier research, business development programming, faculty, students, supporting organizations, and funding sources, ±«Óãtv CONNECT fosters innovation and commercialization.
Located in the ±«Óãtv Research Park, ±«Óãtv CONNECT is at the heart of Tampa’s thriving innovation ecosystem, surrounded by world-class research institutions and industry leaders. Our proximity to Moffitt Cancer Center, ±«Óãtv Health, and leading university research facilities offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, life sciences, and emerging technologies. We also connect businesses with ±«Óãtv faculty expertise, student interns, and entrepreneurial resources, including the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at ±«Óãtv, to accelerate business growth. Through these strategic connections, ±«Óãtv CONNECT serves as a gateway for companies looking to innovate, scale, and make a lasting impact.
Click below to stay informed about the exciting things happening at ±«Óãtv through our bi-weekly newsletter, or to apply for the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator or Evolve Accelerator.
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energizing tampa bay's entrepreneurial ecosystem
As a Tampa Bay Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO), ±«Óãtv Connect:
- Drives economic development through several programs including the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator (TBTI) and its Evolve Accelerator, and the Student Innovation Incubator (SII).
- Unites technology and talent with businesses throughout the greater Tampa Bay region,
providing access to top-tier research, faculty, students, inventors, local organizations,
economic development councils, supporting industry and capital funding sources
- Facilitates the needs of Tampa Bay's technology and bio/life sciences entrepreneurs throughout the business life cycle by providing professional amenities and resources for successful business development and technology commercialization
±«Óãtv CONNECT Work & Meeting Spaces for usf incubator companies
Co-Working Space
Located on the first floor of ±«Óãtv CONNECT, the co-working space features a selection of versatile work stations for incubator companies. This space is professional and comfortable — great for those looking to get out of the office and/or collaborate in large groups.
Boardrooms
±«Óãtv CONNECT houses four different boardrooms. Between them, significant flexibility is provided in the level and size of the meetings that can be accommodated. Notably, the ±«Óãtv CONNECT Boardroom is designed for executive level meetings and presentations. It has the capability to comfortably seat 15 to 20 people. The room is also equipped with:
- Oval shaped conference table and chairs
- LCD projection equipment, conference phone and easel
- Food service credenza and adjoining coffee bar
Mentoring Room
Providing relative soundproofing and privacy, these rooms create an environment where mentors can best assist incubated companies. Rooms include a round table and three chairs.
±«Óãtv CONNECT OFFICES AND LABS
±«Óãtv CONNECT offers state-of-the-art office spaces and specialized laboratory facilities designed to support high-growth technology and life science startups. Located within the ±«Óãtv Research Park, these spaces provide entrepreneurs with the infrastructure and resources needed to accelerate innovation and business development.
Office Spaces
- Fully furnished private and semi-private offices
- High-speed internet and secure network access
- 24/7 building access with keycard security
- Flexible lease terms for early-stage companies
- Access to conference rooms, coworking areas, and meeting spaces
- Proximity to university resources, faculty, and research collaborators
Lab Facilities
- Wet Labs – Equipped for biotech, life sciences, and chemical research
- Dry Labs – Designed for engineering, computing, and prototyping
- Shared Lab Equipment – Access to autoclaves, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and specialized instrumentation
- Secure and Controlled Environment – Compliance with industry standards for R&D and testing
Tenants of ±«Óãtv CONNECT also benefit from a dynamic community of innovators, networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to funding and commercialization support.