For emerging stage technology companies, Metro Orlando offers university-driven business incubators providing enabling tools, training and infrastructure to create financially stable high growth enterprises. Following are brief overviews of a sampling of organizations providing support to local industries with cross applications in the biotechnology and life sciences sector:

BIO
The mission of BIO is to be the champion of biotechnology and the advocate for its member organizations—both large and small. Information regarding the national bio industry, as well as the BIO conferences, can be found on BIO’s website.

BioFlorida
BioFlorida, Florida's independent statewide bioscience organization, serves its members by providing the infrastructure to exchange information and ideas through industry specific programming, education, networking and legislative initiatives. BioFlorida focuses on creating and maintaining a favorable business and legislative environment; advancing the commercialization of research; and working with investors, private enterprise, government, academia and the financial/service sectors to further develop existing companies, launch start-up companies and attract new business to Florida.

Central Florida Research Park
The hub for the region's extensive technology sector is Central Florida Research Park – one of the top 10 parks of its kind in the world. Located adjacent to the University of Central Florida (UCF), the facility brings academia, industry and government together to pursue collaborative research and technology commercialization.

Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC)
A strategic approach to high tech economic development, the FHTCC was established to attract, retain, and grow high tech industry and to develop the workforce to support this industry in the 23-county service areas of the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida. Through this partnership, the universities provide matching grants, workforce development, cultivation of technology, and a marketing program leveraging governmental, economic development organization and corporate budgets on a regional basis.

Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC)
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an organization that helps business. The EDC is dedicated to meeting the needs of today's industries and creating a competitive economic climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, the EDC provides key services and support, which range from relocation and expansion expertise to export counsel to long-term planning with community partners. To attract new business investment, the EDC markets the Orlando region worldwide as a top location for business. In addition, the EDC works with local companies to assist them with expansion plans and other business concerns.

• bioOrlando
  bioOrlando is comprised of business leaders from across the region who are focused on the development of Central Florida's biotechnology and life sciences industry. Led by the EDC, bioOrlando pursues initiatives that further accelerate this already fast-emerging sector. bioOrlando also serves as the Central Florida chapter of BioFlorida.

Tavistock Group / Lake Nona
Tavistock Group is a global, private investment company that has grown to encompass a broad portfolio of interests in over 170 companies in 15 countries. Lake Nona, one of the companies major development projects, is a multi-faceted, 7,000-acre, master-planned community in the city of Orlando. The centerpiece of the community is the Lake Nona Medical City. This includes the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona, Orlando VA Medical Center, Nemours Children's Hospital and University of Florida Research and Academic Center.

UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP)
Nine facilities comprise the UCFBIP, providing early-stage tech companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to create financially stable, high-growth companies. Since opening in 1999, the Incubator Program has helped 160 emerging companies (including 200 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000.