The University of South Florida (USF) and the Florida High Tech Corridor have announced a partnership with the ARK Innovation Center in St. Petersburg, aiming to expand support for startups and entrepreneurs. The collaboration will see USF’s Institute of Applied Engineering establish a presence at the ARK Innovation Center, which focuses on early-stage companies developing technologies such as machine learning, energy solutions, fintech, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
Becca Brown, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, commented on the initiative: “Our partnership with USF’s Institute of Applied Engineering and the Florida High Tech Corridor brings world-class research and applied innovation directly into the ARK Innovation Center. Together, we’re creating a living lab where academia, industry and entrepreneurs collaborate to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. We are thrilled about this partnership.”
Startups at the center will be able to take part in events and programs hosted by USF and the Corridor. They will also have access to services that connect them with university faculty, research centers like USF Technology Transfer—which manages intellectual property—and departments across campus. Opportunities for student internships with USF as well as research partnerships through the Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program are included.
Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, said: “Partnering with the ARK Innovation Center aligns with the Corridor’s mission to advance innovation across our 23-county region. This unique center, in the heart of one of Florida’s most dynamic innovation hubs, is a launchpad for collaboration between inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders who are coming together to solve problems and shape the future.”
The Institute of Applied Engineering specializes in projects related to national security and dual-use technologies for both government agencies and civilian contractors. Its new location at ARK brings it closer to St. Petersburg’s growing maritime and defense sector.
Darren Schumacher, president and CEO of USF Institute of Applied Engineering stated: “Our collaboration with the ARK Innovation Center is about accelerating defense innovation from concept to capability. By linking the Institute of Applied Engineering’s applied research and prototyping expertise with ARK’s entrepreneurial and technology ecosystem, we’re strengthening the pathway for dual-use solutions that serve both national security and commercial markets. This partnership reflects Tampa Bay’s growing role as a hub for mission-driven innovation.”
The ARK Innovation Center was launched in early 2024 through a partnership involving ARK Invest—founded by Cathie Wood—alongside local government entities such as Pinellas County and St. Petersburg city officials as well as federal partners. The center offers mentorship programs, collaborative workspaces, prototyping labs, coaching opportunities, and access to funding for early-stage tech ventures.
This new agreement is part of broader efforts among Tampa Bay organizations to foster greater cooperation within its innovation ecosystem. In July 2025 USF became Embarc Collective’s first university partner under its University Partnership Program; in September it secured up to $85 million from a U.S Army contract covering cybersecurity research among other areas; while collaborations continue locally through initiatives like The Continuum—a NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerators program grant supporting ocean-focused challenges via Tampa Bay Wave’s Blue Tech | X Accelerator.
For more information about collaborating or accessing resources at ARK Innovation Center contact USF Office of University Community Partnerships.
