Writer: Chérie Lynn Canada
3 min read February 2024 — In the technology and innovation ecosystem, a few key regions in the United States have established themselves as meccas of progress and growth. But Greater Orlando is positioned as a rising star in the tech sector given its breadth of education programs focused on data and cybersecurity, public sector investment to create and scale tech startups, and cross-sector partnerships and collaborations that keep the city future-focused.
Here are five reasons why Greater Orlando is positioned to become the next big tech hub:
Thriving talent pool
Many prestigious universities and colleges call Greater Orlando home, including the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Stetson University. Their various technological programs provide a stream of skilled graduates every year and the region continues to attract talent from across the globe, which provides a space for tech companies to innovate and thrive.
“Artificial intelligence is going to have a tremendous impact on our labor force and on the jobs that are available to our graduates,” Christopher Roellke, president of Stetson University, told Invest:.
“We have programs in cybersecurity, data analytics, and all things that are going to be in high demand among future organizations, not only here in our state and our region, but around the globe. We try to anticipate where there will be gainful and rewarding opportunities for employment and prepare students for leadership to address the most pressing workforce needs,” he added.
Government support and incentives
With the tech sector’s ability to drive economic growth, the local government is proactive in providing support and incentives to tech companies. Programs include tax breaks, grants, and partnerships with educational institutions. Incentives like these allow startups and established tech companies to gain a meaningful presence in the region.
Initiatives such as Innovate Orlando foster collaboration and networking opportunities in the tech community. Moreover, the state’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, Space Florida, has been pivotal in driving innovation and investment into aerospace technology in the region.
Emerging startup ecosystem
Orlando’s startup ecosystem is evolving quickly, driven by a network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. Organizations like StarterStudio provide resources, mentorship, and funding to startups in their early stages, assisting with navigating the challenges of building a new business, especially in a competitive environment.
Greater Orlando has a multitude of technology and innovation conferences coming to the region in 2024, showcasing the area’s expansive tech scene and attracting investors from around the globe. That environment is conducive to innovation, allowing the region to quickly become a hotspot for tech startups searching for a place to plant their roots.
Diversification beyond tourism
Tourism continues to be a vital sector contributing to the economy in the region. Recently, there has been an effort to diversify and tell the story of the area through its other key industries, including technology. Through the continued support of growth within the tech sector, Greater Orlando positions itself to create jobs, attract investors, and tell the story of the vibrant tech companies that exist and the ones to come. Shifting toward a stronger tech ecosystem strengthens the region’s economic stability and positions the region as a competitive market in the global marketplace.
Innovation in key sectors
Orlando’s tech sector goes beyond information technology. The region has key expertise in emerging sectors, including simulation and training, aerospace, healthcare technology, and renewable energy. Greater Orlando is home to research institutions like the National Center for Simulation and the Florida Solar Energy Center, positioning itself at the epicenter of groundbreaking research and innovation.
Central Florida’s Research Park provides a space near the University of Central Florida where companies can create unique partnerships with the university, allowing for more candidates to fill graduate and undergraduate internship positions and funneling candidates into the workforce in the region.
Medical City at Lake Nona is at the forefront of innovation and technology in the healthcare sector. Industry-leading companies have established themselves in the 650-acre health and life sciences park, making Greater Orlando an attractive place for developments within the healthcare sector.
