Funding Available

Florida High Tech Corridor Funding

 

Florida High Tech Corridor Logo

An economic development initiative of three research universities – the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida – Florida High Tech Corridor converges and catalyzes the capacity of high tech, innovation and bright minds across a 23-county region to generate a global ripple effect that advances the lives of people in the communities it serves.

The Corridor offers multiple funding opportunities at the University of South Florida to support collaborative industry research, early-stage faculty innovation, and undergraduate research.


The Corridor Matching Grant Research Program

The Matching Grant Research Program at the University of South Florida can provide up to $150,000 in matching grant funds for collaborative research projects between local industry partners and USF researchers, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funded projects. Corridor funding is used to expand the project's scope of work and support student involvement in cutting-edge research endeavors.

Please review the Program Guidelines for detailed information about the program.

Participation in the Matching Grants Research Program has become increasingly competitive. The program prioritizes funding for projects that:

  • Generate new intellectual property or technology
  • Develop and commercialize existing USF technology
  • Leverage federally funding through the SBIR/STTR or other programs
  • Align with USF’s strategic areas of focus
  • Align with the Corridor’s key industry clusters
  • Engage new participants in the program (industry and faculty)
  • Encourage research across colleges and/or across Corridor Universities
  • Provide a tangible impact for the industry partner in terms of revenue, sales, workforce expansion, etc.
  • Provide high-level, hands-on research experiences for our students and fellows

By focusing on these priorities, the program supports high-impact research benefiting local industry, the university, and our region.

If Corridor funds are awarded, a sponsored research agreement must be executed within three months of the Corridor award letter to ensure the availability of Corridor funds. The industry sponsor and PI must work directly with USF Sponsored Research and appropriate College staff to finalize and execute a research agreement.  


The Corridor Early-Stage Innovation Fund

Early Stage Innovation Fund

This program will support early-stage innovations and applied research with significant potential for commercial or community impact. These funds are meant to seed USF-developed innovations that could lead to industry investment, community engagement, start-up creation, and/or licensing opportunities. USF researchers may request up to $25,000 to support USF research expenses associated with the further development of the target innovation.

The Corridor Early-Stage Innovation Fund is now accepting Letters of Intent for FY24 Round 2. During this round, the Fund is seeking innovations that align with the following USF Strategic Areas of Focus: Design, Arts, & Performance | Social Justice & Human Rights.

Proposals that do not align with these areas will not be considered during this round.

Review FY24 Guidelines and Application Instructions Here.

Key Dates - Round FY24-2:

  • Letter of Intent Due - Friday, May 10, 2024 (5pm)
  • Full Proposal Due - Friday, June 28, 2024 (5pm)
  • Awards Announced (Anticipated) - Friday, August 9, 2024
    • Funded research will coincide with fall 2024 term

Program Office Hours: If you have questions about how your work may align with this program, Program staff will be available throughout the application period to answer questions and provide guidance. Register for Office Hours.  

Please read about the past awards provided through this program:


The Corridor Undergraduate Research Initiative

Corridor ESIF Logo

This program supports meaningful research experiences for our Undergraduate students. Through the Corridor Undergraduate Research Initiative, each USF College may request up to $10,000 from the Florida High Tech Corridor to provide new and expanded research opportunities for their Undergraduate students.

Awards have been made for the SY 2023-24 school year. SY2023-24 guidelines and application instructions are available for review here.

Please read about the past awards provided through this program:


For more information, please contact:

Elizabeth Nelson
Program Director - Florida High Tech Corridor
813-974-3291
ernelson1@usf.edu