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. In particular, the University of Central Florida Incubator serves over 30 companies and has created more than 200 jobs in the region since opening in 1999. These affiliate companies have raised $60 million in venture capital and have an average annual salary of $68,000.

Following are brief overviews of a sampling of organizations providing support to local industries with cross applications in the biotechnology and life science sector:

University of Central Florida
Faculty and students at UCF are exploring areas vital to biotechnology, advancing our understanding of human disease and developing innovative methods of treatment. Research at UCF's Biomedical Science Center is focused in four areas: cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and neurodegenerative disease. UCF offers a variety of Ph.D. programs in the life sciences, including chemistry and molecular biology and microbiology. The university was recently awarded a $10 million gift for a new college of biomedical sciences. The donation is eligible for another $10 million in matching grants from the state. The college, to be called the Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences, will initially have about nine hundred undergraduates and seventy-five graduate students. In addition, UCF boasts the nationally recognized Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers and was awarded $10 million by the state to create the Florida Photonics Center of Excellence.

bioOrlando
bioOrlando focuses on the development of Central Florida’s life science and bio-technology industry. bioOrlando, which serves as the Central Florida Chapter of BioFlorida, is a council managed by the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC). bioOrlando supports our region’s life science and biotechnology community while pursuing initiatives that further accelerate this already fast-emerging sector.

Florida State University College of Medicine
Florida State University College of Medicine has opened one of three regional campuses in Metro Orlando. The first new medical school to be established in the nation in 20 years, the FSU College of Medicine is one of only a few medical schools in the country to operate multiple community-based campuses. The Orlando campus has a maximum capacity of 40 third and fourth year students and will involved more than 150 local physicians who will serve as clinical faculty. The campus also provides a great opportunity for local physicians to tap into research dollars dedicated to the medical field.

Central Florida Health Care Coalition
A member of the National Business Coalition on Health—a Washington, D.C.-based association for business coalitions that represent employers on health-care issues—the local organization addresses the quality and cost of health care in the Central Florida community. Founded in 1984, the coalition is comprised of Central Florida employers representing 1 million employees. Members include:

• Walt Disney World, Orlando
• Universal Orlando
• Publix Super Markets
• Orange County Public Schools

National Center for Simulation (NCS)
NCS was formed in 1994 to advance simulation technologies and serve as an essential link between government, industry and academia engaged in research, development and applications of this sector. Its three main objectives for the next five years are to help:

• Create a vibrant simulation community that is relatively insulated from economic downturn
• Expand the range of simulation technology applications
• Provide a national communications forum and information sharing network for simulation professionals, practitioners and decision-makers

TEAM Orlando
Founded in 1985, TEAM Orlando is dedicated to the effective employment of new simulation technologies and dual use technologies. It leverages services, government agencies, academia and industry participation to support the industry’s continued growth.

The Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC)
FPC was formed to support the growth and profitability of the photonics industry through the strength of a unified voice. Based on the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, the cluster focuses on building partnerships between companies and support organizations. FPC is dedicated to growing the industry by bringing together the knowledge, expertise and service that each company or organization has to offer.

The FPC regularly hosts a CEO Networking forum to facilitate communication and information exchange among business leaders in the photonics industry. In addition, the FPC meets biannually to conduct seminars and other informative presentations. Speakers discuss the impact of photonics on the region, and ways in which local companies can spread awareness of the industry and gain legislative representation.

Laser Institute of America (LIA)
LIA is a professional membership society dedicated to fostering lasers, laser applications and safety worldwide. Headquartered in Orlando and serving the industrial, medical, research and military communities, LIA offers technical information and networking opportunities to laser users from around the globe.

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.

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.