Epic Universe Becomes a Classroom for Future Innovators
College students from across the country stepped inside Universal Epic Universe for a rare opportunity: to use Universal Destinations & Experiences’ most technologically advanced theme park as an interactive classroom during the Inspiring Future Innovators Summit, an immersive, multi-day experience hosted by Universal and Comcast at Universal Orlando Resort. Convening educators, nonprofit organizations and industry professionals, the summit brought together more than 40 students from the University of
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NAWBO Orlando Calls for Sponsors as It Launches ''Beyond the Bid,'' the Pinnacle Event of Its Fall Membership Campaign
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando chapter today announced Beyond the Bid: Government Contracting Unlocked, a new panel event designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners break into government contracting at the federal, state, and local level. The event will take place Tuesday, October 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at UCF Creative Village, the National Entrepreneur Center's downtown Orlando facility, presented in partnership with NEC. Beyond the Bid anchors
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UCF Business Incubation Program Expands Seminole County Incubator
Economic development engine grows Heathrow location with consolidation of locations in countyOrlando, Fla. (August 26, 2026) — In a move to ensure cooperation and collaboration with other Seminole County economic development organizations, the UCF Business Incubation Program is consolidating its locations in the county to Heathrow.Starting on October 1, all UCF Business Incubation Program operations in Seminole County will be located at Seminole State College’s Heathrow campus. The program was operating a
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UCF Business Incubation Program Named Florida’s Top Incubator
After helping generate thousands of jobs, significant investment in companies and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact in Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Program has earned national recognition as one of the country’s top business incubators. Yesterday, Time released its inaugural listing of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026, spotlighting programs that assist early-stage companies to grow, scale and create lasting economic impact. The UCF Business Incubation
Edge Systems Celebrates Completion of Summer Internship Program
Edge Systems, Inc. announced the completion of its summer internship program, which welcomed 23 student interns acquired through the Seminole County Public Schools spring internship fair. The summer program placed students into educational and project-based pathways designed to connect classroom learning with real-world business, technology, communications, nonprofit, and community engagement work. Interns gained exposure to professional expectations, local business environments, networking opportunities,
Seminole State Unveils New Programs, Upgrades For Fall 2026
New programs and updated spaces support transfer success, workforce education and tech innovation. With the 2026-27 academic year on the horizon, Seminole State College of Florida is adding to its offerings and updating spaces to support student success, meet workforce needs and produce career-ready graduates. The highlights for Fall Term 2026 reflect the College’s continued investment in programs designed to help students prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers in Central Florida. New Transfer
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Duke Energy Foundation Invests $773,000 To Strengthen Stem Education In Florida
The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $773,000 to 22 nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions working to strengthen STEM education by expanding access to hands-on learning opportunities and helping prepare Florida students for careers in high-demand industries. High-impact investments: Higher Education ($330,000)Florida A&M University Foundation ($25,000)Florida Polytechnic University Foundation ($50,000)Florida State University Foundation ($10,000)Foundation for Seminole State College
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Duke Energy Foundation Grants $77,500 To Expand Access To Civic Learning And Remembrance Across Florida
As part of the final round of grants through the Duke Energy Foundation’s America250 initiative, $77,500 is being distributed to seven nonprofit organizations across Florida that are working to expand access to civic learning and remembrance. Among other projects, these efforts include a youth civics competition, a reenactment of the Declaration of Independence signing and the revitalization of a memorial honoring the state’s Medal of Honor recipients. Our view: “As a proud history major, I know
Seminole State College Announces New Academic and Athletic Leaders Supporting Student Achievement
Seminole State College of Florida continues to expand its commitment to student achievement, workforce readiness and community engagement with the addition of new appointments across the College. Bringing experience in athletics, business, entrepreneurship and student development, the newest additions reflect Seminole State’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible education while preparing students to succeed in an evolving workforce and global economy. Cruz Casiano, Ed.D., Deputy Associate
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Investing In Futures: Spring Grants Focus On Workforce Education
Through grants in higher education, colleges can develop new pathways to help students or expand services and offerings to best serve the community.During the Spring Term at Seminole State College of Florida, several grants were awarded that focused on program advancement, adult education, student services and preparing Seminole County’s future workforce. The following grants totaled over $6 million that will help Seminole State expand access to higher education and prepare workforce-ready
Orlando Magic’s Historic Off-the-Court Impact This Season Builds on Long Legacy of Assisting Central Florida Community
On the court, the Orlando Magic just wrapped up their season. Off the court, the work never stops. As they’ve done over the course of their 37-year history, the Magic delivered a number of legendary moments throughout Central Florida over the course of their 2025-26 campaign by raising and distributing millions of dollars and engaging in community related programming that impacted more than100,000 kids. Each year, the Magic give more than $2 million to Central Florida by way of sponsorships of events,
Universal Destinations & Experiences and the University of Central Florida Introduce New School to Develop the Future Leaders of Themed Entertainment and Immersive Experiences
ORLANDO, May 11, 2026 – Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of
Seminole County Announces 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
The Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the induction class of 2026. These six individuals are recognized for their impact across the local sports world as an athlete or through coaching, sportscasting, or refereeing. The inductees will be honored on Wednesday, May 13, at Lake Mary High School during the annual Seminole County High School Night of Champions ceremony. Members of the public are invited to attend and celebrate this year’s honorees. Learn more about the Seminole
Miami Dade College, University of Florida, University of North Florida, and University of Central Florida Take Top Honors in 2025 Florida Innovation Challenge Sponsored by the Orlando Magic
A spark of creativity and a deep understanding of what it means to be a fan propelled Miami Dade College’s “Magic Metrics” team to victory in this year’s Blackstone LaunchPad Florida Innovation Challenge sponsored by the Orlando Magic. The two-day event held in October brought together students from seven Florida universities: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida International University (FIU), Florida State University (FSU), Miami Dade College (MDC), University of Central
2,800 Degrees Mark A Milestone For Seminole State’s Spring 2026 Graduates
More than 2,300 graduates took the next step in their education during Seminole State College of Florida’s Spring 2026 Commencement on Tuesday, May 4, in Addition Financial Arena at University of Central Florida. The College awarded over 2,800 degrees and certificates this spring.Dan Donovan, senior director of Talent Orchestration across Universal Destinations & Experiences Marketing and Sales and chair of the Foundation for Seminole State College Board of Directors, delivered an inspiring keynote address.
UCF Business Incubation Program and Andromeda Ventures Launch Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Dual-Use Technologies
Partnership connects Central Florida’s innovation ecosystem with venture capital, technical expertise, and commercialization pathways for technologies with applications on Earth and in spaceOrlando, Fla. (April 30, 2026) — The UCF Business Incubation Program and Andromeda Ventures today announced a strategic partnership designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of dual-use technologies — innovations with applications across both terrestrial and space environments — while strengthening
Seminole State Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Apprenticeships open doors for students to earn, learn and lead. Seminole State College of Florida is proud to offer apprenticeship programs that help support Florida’s workforce and prepare students for success in high-wage careers. As part of the Florida College System, the College adds $1.3 billion to the local economy and thousands of graduates that fuel Florida’s workforce. Seminole State is devoted to providing high-quality, affordable postsecondary education.Seminole State offers apprenticeship
Seminole State Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduates, Strengthening Central Florida’s Workforce
Seminole State College of Florida will celebrate the achievements of its Spring 2026 graduates during the Formal Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 4. The time-honored tradition recognizes students whose hard work, perseverance and career-focused education are helping shape Central Florida’s future workforce and community. The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida. Tickets are required for admission; a live video feed will be available for those
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Multiple Incubator Graduates and a Client Featured in Orlando Business Journal’s People to Know Series
Two of the primary target industries for the UCF Business Incubation Program are the defense and space industries. When you walk the halls of our Research Park facility, you’ll see dozens of firms who are working to build their business helping bring new technologies, products and services to these fields. That’s why it isn’t a surprise that this year’s People to Know in Space and Defense has a signficant number of people connected to the Incubator. Congratulations to Christopher M. Chambers, Serious
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UCF Business Incubation Program Congratulates Raul Nazario
SharpShell Digital CEO named one of Orlando’s top executives under 40 years old Orlando, Fla. (April 14, 2026) – Last week, Orlando Business Journal announced its annual 40 Under 40 list of the most influential executives in the region under 40 years old. And on the cover was Raul Nazario, CEO of SharpShell Digital, a client of the Orlando UCF Business Incubator. “We simply love it when our client companies and our entrepreneurs receive recognitions like Raul’s inclusion on the 40 under 40 list,” says
Seminole State celebrates 25 years of Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo
Seminole State College of Florida proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo, marking a quarter century of growth, innovation and student success in eastern Seminole County. Since opening its doors in 2001, the Oviedo campus has embodied a distinctive blend of Old Florida natural beauty and forward-looking academic opportunity. The campus was renamed the Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo in 2018 to honor fourth-generation Oviedoans who contributed significantly
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Distributes Second Set of Grants to Local Nonprofits in Surprise Check Presentations
Orlando, Fla. (February 12, 2026) – As part of the Orlando Magic and DeVos family’s continuing commitment to the Central Florida community, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) recently awarded $470,000 in grants to 13 local nonprofits during its winter grant cycle. Grants were distributed through surprise visits held January 27–30 across Orange, Seminole, and Lake counties, benefiting organizations that support at-risk youth. Each nonprofit received a commemorative bronze basketball and an OMYF
UCF Business Incubation Program Welcomes Talos Health
New client of the Seminole County Business Incubator looks to use AI to help caregivers in a variety of ways Orlando, Fla. (March 18, 2026) – Anyone who has experienced providing healthcare or support for a family member or friend understands how overwhelming it can be. A new client of the UCF Business Incubation Program is looking to bring relief by utilizing artificial intelligence to deliver advice, support, and coordination tools that help reduce the mental and administrative overload
Alex Martins To Be Inducted Into The Orlando Magic Hall Of Fame
Alex Martins will become the 14th inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, Chairman Dan DeVos has announced. Martins will be inducted on Monday, Mar. 23 at 12 p.m. in Kia Center, near the Orlando Magic Fan Experience.**. In addition to the induction ceremony, Martins will be honored that night during Orlando’s game vs. Indiana. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available through OrlandoMagic.com or by calling 407-89-MAGIC. “We are excited to welcome Alex Martins into the Orlando Magic Hall of
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UCF Business Incubation Program Congratulates Aurora InfoTech on its Graduation
After seven years growing their business with the support of the UCF Business Incubation Program at the East Colonial Incubation, Aurora InfoTech has graduated from the program. The company will remain in Central Florida with new offices for its 12 employees at 2700 Westhall Lane, Suite 235, Maitland, FL 32751. “We’ve been able to watch Aurora InfoTech evolve into a company receiving national recognition,” says Kelly Daubach, site manager, UCF Business Incubator on East Colonial. “The success of Aurora
The Secret River: A Tribute to Community
The Secret River, Opera Orlando's first commissioned opera, comes home to Mead Botanical Garden on March 6 and 7, outdoors on The Grove Stage, in the Central Florida landscape that inspired it. Based on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' Newbery Honor-winning novel, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, with music by University of Central Florida Pegasus Professor Stella Sung and a libretto by Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Mark Campbell, who also wrote the libretto for the Company’s recently performed
UCF Business Incubation Program Welcomes Core Six Partners
For every business, utilizing data correctly is vital to its success. However, for many businesses, it’s difficult to find ways to utilize their data effectively. That’s where one of the UCF Business Incubation Program’s new client companies, Core Six Partners, comes in. “We’re trying to deliver for people what large companies are using and building, but within their budget and within their needs, says Ben Krause, director of business development, Core Six Partners. “The problem is these company owners
Florida Blue Names Tanya Hill Easterling Central Florida Market President
Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, has named health care veteran Tanya Hill Easterling as its next market president for Central Florida. Tanya’s promotion to the role follows the upcoming transition of Tony Jenkins to Market President of Northeast Florida, where he’ll be based in Jacksonville, Fla. Tanya brings nearly 20 years of health care experience to the position, most recently serving as the Market Leader for Volusia, Flagler, and Brevard counties. Since joining Florida Blue
UCF Business Incubator Helps UNIKE Expand into U.S. Market
German engineering firm looks to capture the aerospace market and others through Hexagon partnership and expansion Orlando, Fla. (January 26, 2026) – Once again, Central Florida’s strength in the aerospace market has brought another company to Orlando. UNIKE Design and Development, a German-based engineering firm, opened its first office in the United States at the UCF Business Incubator in Research Park. The company is particularly focused on the aerospace industry, bringing more than two decades
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board Of Directors Grows To 153 Members
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 22, 2026) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced 29 incoming members to its Executive and Advisory Board of Directors, bringing the total to 153 board members. Incoming members will provide leadership and play a vital role in supporting GO Sports as the organization continues to foster collaboration on innovative ideas and advance its mission of bringing a dynamic calendar of sporting events to Central Florida. This team will offer strategic vision, expert
Caitlin Lewis named CEO of AdventHealth East Orlando
AdventHealth has named Caitlin Lewis CEO of AdventHealth East Orlando, effective Feb. 2, 2026. Lewis has served as chief operating officer at AdventHealth East Orlando for the past three years. With more than 15 years of experience at AdventHealth, she has held a variety of leadership roles, beginning her career in human resources before transitioning into operational leadership. Prior to her current role, Lewis was the COO at AdventHealth Winter Park. Throughout her career, Lewis has been guided by a
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Hate Selling? We Have the Seminar for You!
Most entrepreneurs didn't start their business to become salespeople. Did you? Growth requires getting comfortable with conversations about money, value, and what you actually do. Join us for a workshop that introduces a consultative framework helping you sell without feeling like you're selling. You'll learn how to:Stop Pitching – Shift from listing features to diagnosing real problems (so you feel like a consultant, not a huckster)Pick a Framework – Select and use a simple visual mental tool
Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose Featured on FOX 35 Orlando Discussing Fox News Poll on Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Public Trust
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how businesses and individuals work, communicate, and make decisions, a new Fox News poll shows strong public support for slowing AI development and growing uncertainty over who should be responsible for regulating it. Tech Rage IT’s Chief Experience Officer, Matt Rose, joined FOX 35 Orlando to help break down what the results mean in practical terms. According to the poll, 80 percent of respondents said they favor careful AI development over rapid
Tech Rage IT Provides Expert Insight After Cloudflare Outage Disrupts Major Platforms Including ChatGPT and X
Winter Springs, Fla. (November 19, 2025) – A major outage at Cloudflare, a core internet infrastructure provider, temporarily disrupted access to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and numerous business applications worldwide. Tech Rage IT’s CXO, Matt Rose, joined FOX 35 Orlando to help explain what happened, why it matters, and what businesses should take away from the incident. Cloudflare, which sits between websites and the public internet, experienced a global failure early
Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose Featured on FOX 35 After First AI-Powered Espionage Campaign Uncovered
Winter Springs, Fla. (November 17, 2025) – Matt Rose, Chief Experience Officer of Tech Rage IT, was featured live on FOX 35 News Plus this week to help viewers make sense of a chilling first in cybersecurity: an AI-powered espionage campaign allegedly orchestrated by a Chinese state-sponsored group. Anthropic, the company behind the Claude AI model, reported that hackers used AI agents and automated tools to carry out cyberattacks against 30 global targets—including financial firms, manufacturers,
Seminole State named a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Seminole State College of Florida has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency. This recognition, effective through academic year 2030, highlights Seminole State’s leadership in providing high-quality programs that align with national priorities for cyber defense and workforce development. The CAE-CD designation reflects the rigorous academic and institutional standards in cybersecurity met by Seminole State’s Associate in
Orlando Magic Sponsors the 2025 Blackstone LaunchPad Florida Innovation Challenge
As part of the Orlando Magic’s continuing commitment to innovation, the team is sponsoring the second annual Blackstone LaunchPad Florida Innovation Challenge on Oct. 16-17 at Kia Center and University of Central Florida (UCF) downtown campus, respectively. The challenge offers students from seven universities the opportunity to pitch innovative ideas and network with some of the top minds in the sports technology field while competing for more than $50,000 in cash prizes. The students were given a
UCF Business Incubation Program Welcomes Steadfast AI
Anyone dealing with healthcare records understands how damaging a breach of confidentiality could be to their organization. After all, there are strict rules about patient information in federal law. That’s why healthcare is among the slowest industries to truly incorporate AI into patient data, worrying about the security of third-party providers with confidential data. “One of our partners is an expert in healthcare technology and saw the issues companies were having by implementing AI,” says Chris
C-BATT and UCF Team Up to Unlock the Full Potential of Next-Gen Anode
C-BATT is teaming up with the University of Central Florida (UCF) to unlock new insights that will lead to higher-performing, longer-lasting batteries. The Florida-based developer of an advanced anode material is working with UCF researchers to study in detail how its innovative material Obsidia™ performs while charging inside lithium-ion batteries. Testing shows longer cycle life, and the partnership will help optimize and unlock the full potential of Obsidia™. “This partnership gives us a unique
Tech Rage IT's Matt Rose on FOX 35: Why Instagram’s New Teen Filter Sparks Broader Digital Safety Q
Instagram’s move to restrict teen accounts to PG-13 content may sound like a consumer story—but on FOX 35 Orlando, Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose explained why it’s part of a much larger digital safety conversation that businesses can’t ignore. Rose, Chief Experience Officer at the Winter Springs-based IT firm, joined FOX 35’s Garrett Wymer to discuss how Instagram’s new moderation settings will work and why even “imperfect” protections can be a step in the right direction. “It’s a positive
Connecting Careers, Creativity And Community At Seminole State College
The Fall Term is well-underway at Seminole State College of Florida with high-impact coursework, cultural programs and career development opportunities for students and the community alike. By fostering career-long relationships with students and community members, Seminole State is a trusted partner throughout college and career journeys. Career FairStudents, alumni and community members are invited to connect with leading employers to explore career paths and take the next step toward a rewarding
MSP Titans of the Industry Names Tech Rage IT’s CEO a 2025 Awards Finalist
Erica Martinez-Rose, CEO and co-founder of Tech Rage IT — a leading provider of Managed IT Services — has been named a finalist in the Minority Owned/Led category of the 2025 MSP Titans of the Industry Awards. This honor places Martinez-Rose among a select group of top-performing MSP leaders who are redefining what it means to be a trusted technology partner while championing diversity and inclusion in the IT industry. This nomination celebrates the work they do every day — solving tough problems,
