Innovation & Commercialization
Explore
USF Innovation & Commercialization is an integrated network of programs, services, and resources designed to accelerate research and ideas into real-world impact. It brings together commercialization, startup support, and funding pathways to translate technologies, build companies, secure funding, and form strategic partnerships.
If you're new to innovation and commercialization at USF, these resources can help you explore opportunities, build new skills, and identify the next steps for advancing your research or ideas. Whether you're interested in developing industry partnerships, evaluating the market potential of a technology, or learning how to bring innovations from the lab to the marketplace, the programs below provide the tools, knowledge, and support to help move innovations from research to real-world impact.
Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange
Explore tools, resources, and opportunities available through this professional development series designed to equip researchers with the tools, insights, and strategies to lead transformative interdisciplinary research, build cross-sector collaborations, and drive innovation that resonates across academia, industry, government, and communities.
Learn more about this initiative
NSF I-Corps Hub: Southeast @ ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½
The I-Corps Hub: Southeast program at ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is designed to help researchers commercialize deep technologies, providing training on how to translate their scientific discoveries into innovative solutions for society. Teams that complete the regional program may qualify to apply for the NSF National I-Corps program — where they will receive $50,000 to conduct customer discovery.
Evolve Accelerator
The Evolve Accelerator, housed within USF CONNECT, supports high-potential, innovation-driven
startups as they move from early development into growth and scale. Evolve is designed
for founders who are beyond the initial idea stage and are ready to grow as founders,
validate their market, strengthen their business model, and prepare for commercialization
and investment.
Through structured training, mentorship, and accountability, Evolve helps founders
build sustainable, investable ventures by aligning strategy, operations, and execution
with real-world market and funding expectations.
Service Pillars
Protect and License: Protect your intellectual property and explore pathways to commercialization.
If you have developed a new technology, invention, process, or discovery, the USF Technology Transfer Office can help you evaluate its commercial potential, protect intellectual property, and identify licensing opportunities. Industry partners can also explore available technologies and collaborate with USF researchers to bring innovations to market.
Fund: Access funding to advance research, validate technologies, and support commercialization.
Whether you are developing a new discovery, launching a startup, conducting research, or preparing for investment, funding opportunities are available to help move your work forward. Explore resources designed to support innovation at every stage, from early concept development to commercialization and growth.
Build and Scale: Launch, grow, and accelerate your startup.
Entrepreneurs can access incubators, accelerators, mentorship, educational programs, specialized facilities, and business support through USF CONNECT. Whether you are refining an idea, validating a market opportunity, raising capital, or preparing to scale, resources are available to help you move from concept to company.
Partner: Connect with the people, expertise, and organizations that can help move innovation forward.
Whether you are seeking research collaborations, licensing opportunities, industry partnerships, or connections within the regional innovation community, USF Innovation & Commercialization can help identify opportunities and facilitate meaningful connections. Through the reach of the Florida High Tech Corridor and other strategic partners, you can engage with researchers, startups, industry leaders, and innovation resources across the region.
Space and Infrastructure: Access the facilities, laboratories, and workspaces needed to support innovation and growth.
Researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners can access a range of facilities and specialized infrastructure through USF CONNECT, the USF Research Park, and USF Core Facilities. From laboratory environments and equipment to incubator and office space, these resources provide the physical foundation needed to develop technologies, conduct research, and grow new ventures.