The Florida High Tech Corridor has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting progress in building a collaborative innovation ecosystem across Central Florida. The organization, led by CEO Paul Sohl, works with the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida to support growth throughout a 23-county region.
In 2025, the Corridor’s main initiatives included the Matching Grants Research Program, which connects university researchers with industry partners; Cenfluence, an initiative focused on expanding industry clusters; and FL FAST, a program that helps small technology companies secure federal research and innovation grants. These efforts supported more than 375 companies, facilitated $8.5 million in university–industry partnerships, and assisted startups in obtaining over $10 million in funding.
Paul Sohl stated in the report: “Our innovation infrastructure is extraordinary — from HiPerGator, the fastest supercomputer at any U.S. university at the University of Florida; to a booming space industry marked by frequent launches and rapid expansion; to globally unique assets like the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation and the University of Central Florida’s CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics.”
He continued: “Our region has the tools to shape the future. Yet what continues to inspire me most are the visionaries who make those tools come alive. Across every community in The Corridor, it’s people of every industry, age and background who are driving the extraordinary rise of Florida’s innovation economy.”
The report emphasizes that collaboration among communities is central to achieving these results. As The Corridor approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, it remains committed to bringing together talented individuals and institutions to build a stronger future for Florida.
