Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT Incubators and Accelerators

supporting start-ups with research and resources

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT is the business and economic development initiative of the University of South Florida (Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app) 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, Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT fosters innovation and commercialization.

Located in the Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app Research Park, Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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, Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app Health, and leading university research facilities offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration in biotechnology, life sciences, and emerging technologies. We also connect businesses with Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app faculty expertise, student interns, and entrepreneurial resources, including the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app, to accelerate business growth. Through these strategic connections, Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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 Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app through our bi-weekly newsletter, or to apply for the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator or Evolve Accelerator.

Incubators and Accelerators at Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT

TBTI

Tampa Bay Technology Incubator (TBTI)

Evolve

Evolve Accelerator

SII

Student Innovation Incubator (SII)

energizing tampa bay's entrepreneurial ecosystem

As a Tampa Bay Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO), Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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
coworking space

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT Work & Meeting Spaces for usf incubator companies

Co-Working Space

Located on the first floor of Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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 Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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.

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT OFFICES AND LABS

Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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 Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app 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 Ôƶ¥¶Ä³¡app CONNECT also benefit from a dynamic community of innovators, networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to funding and commercialization support.