Building Companies, Changing Lives


Issue 35- November 2015

New Study Unveils Economic Impacts of
Institute for Commercialization of Public Research
Programs Generated a $379 Million Impact over 5-Year Period

 

The Institute received the results of a new study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc.® (WEG), a boutique economic consulting firm led by nationally recognized business economist Dr. J. Antonio (Tony) Villamil. The study measured economic impacts of the Institute between 2011 and 2015, and concluded that the organization's impact throughout the state of Florida increased significantly during this past fiscal year, generating an overall return on investment (ROI) of 14 times.

Highlights of the new study include:

  • companies supported the creation of 1,144 new jobs; nearly 80% of the jobs created were in targeted, knowledge-based industries;
  • average earnings per direct job created were $76,628;
  • entrepreneurs raised in excess of $28 million, inducing capital into Florida companies that may otherwise have been invested outside the state;
  • the overall economic impact in FY 2015 was $168 million, an increase of ~55% over FY 2014 and a 977 % increase in five years.

   
Vigilant Biosciences CEO, Matthew H.J. Kim, is honored by BioFlorida with the
Weaver H. Gaines Entrepreneur of the Year Award
(L-R) David L. Day, Nancy Bryan, Matthew H. J. Kim, and Weaver H. Gaines

 
Governor Scott presented awards to five young entrepreneurs at the Gulf Power Symposium, including Sebastien Cotton, CEO of Institute-funded Robotics Unlimited (pictured 2nd from right)

Public Relations and Branding Workshop Held For Gainesville Startups
 

The Institute organized a half-day workshop on October 5, 2015 at the Innovation Hub at the University of Florida to educate entrepreneurs, engineers and scientists on the power of storytelling through branding and public relations. The workshop was sponsored by the City of Gainesville, and over 50 attendees gained an in-depth look at the impact that effective marketing can have on their companies. The workshop included interactive presentations fromParisleaf and Allison + Partners, and Chad Paris offered attendees the opportunity to sit down with the Parisleaf team after the workshop for one-on-one sessions to discuss public relations, social media, branding and marketing strategies for their startups.


Institute Receives Economic Development Award

 

The Institute received the 2015 Distinguished Organization Award from the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. Select individuals and organizations were recognized at the Research Park's 30th Anniversary Celebration which took place on Friday, October 2nd aboard the majestic Biscayne Lady, with over 200 business and community leaders in attendance. Andrew Duffell, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Research Park, presented the award while highlighting the Institute's achievements in recent years, which include new company creation and seed funding of some of Florida's most promising innovation-based ventures. The event also marked the 15th anniversary of the Technology Business Incubator where the Institute maintains its South Florida offices.


 
(L-R) Dr. W. Kent Fuchs, University of Florida President, Ed Buckley, peerfit, and Institute associates Todd Andersen-Davis and Arielle Brazeal celebrating
Gatorade’s 50 Year Anniversary at the UF vs. Ole Miss game

HWind Scientific Acquired by Risk Management Solutions
 
Risk Management Solutions (RMS), one of the world’s leading catastrophe risk modeling firms, has announced the acquisition of HWind Scientific, LLC, a provider of real-time, objective, observation-based hurricane data. HWind is the first company housed at Domi Station that has been acquired by a larger company, and will maintain a significant presence in Tallahassee. Domi Station provides companies with co-working space, mentors and access to resources including business guidance from Institute Entrepreneur- in- Residence Lawrence Tinker.

 
Join the Florida Venture Forum for 2015 Emerging Technologies and Business Showcase
 
The Florida Venture ForumSpace Florida and Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida will co-host the 2015 Emerging Technologies & Business Showcase on November 4, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. The showcase is a capital acceleration competition and business-networking event that features presentations by some of Florida’s most promising early and mid-stage companies, a keynote address by retired NASA astronaut Capt. Winston Scott, and an investor panel discussion. More details about the showcase and event registration may be viewed here.

About Us

The Institute delivers company building and funding programs to facilitate new venture and job creation through commercially-viable technologies in major industries that are driving the global economy. In addition to providing company support services, the Institute manages the Seed Capital Accelerator Program launched in 2011, and the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund launched in 2013. For more information, visit www.florida-institute.com.