The recent webinar hosted by the Cluster Tecnologico Campania Bioscience, as part of the Epicentre Project, shed light on the incredible business opportunities available for European companies in Central Florida, particularly in the life sciences and high-tech sectors. This session, focused on how European companies can access and thrive in the U.S. market, offered valuable insights from experts affiliated with the Florida High Tech Corridor and other regional innovation hubs.

Central Florida: A Prime Location for Innovation

Known primarily for its tourism and hospitality industry, Central Florida has been quietly building a robust reputation in the fields of life sciences, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. The region boasts a diverse and dynamic business ecosystem, supported by leading universities, research institutions, and a thriving startup community.

During the webinar, Carol M. Nasseh, Senior Cluster Manager at the Florida High Tech Corridor, highlighted the strategic advantages of Central Florida for European companies looking to expand into the U.S. market. The region is home to over 6,500 life sciences companies, anchored by a network of 12 major hospital systems and a talent pool of over 2.2 million people. Florida’s proximity to Latin America and its extensive infrastructure, including Orlando International Airport, make it an ideal base for international companies aiming to access both North and South American markets.

Key Advantages for European Companies

The experts underscored several benefits that Central Florida offers to European firms:

• A Collaborative Business Environment: Central Florida is home to a well-connected network of research and business clusters, particularly in life sciences, medical devices, and health technologies. The region’s strong cluster ecosystem facilitates partnerships and innovation across sectors.
• Support for Startups and Scale-Ups: European companies entering Central Florida can leverage the services of innovation hubs such as the UCF Life Sciences Incubator and the GuideWell Innovation Center. These facilities provide essential resources like wet labs, conference rooms, and R&D support, making it easier for foreign businesses to land and expand.
• Access to Top-Tier Talent: With over 500,000 students graduating from top universities like the University of Central Florida, the region offers a steady stream of skilled professionals in STEM fields, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to innovate and grow.

Tailored Support for European Firms

The Florida High Tech Corridor and its affiliated institutions are experienced in assisting European companies in navigating the U.S. market, as highlighted by Mark Spinoglio, Cluster Initiative Advisor & International Services Provider Florida High Tech Corridor. From regulatory guidance for clinical trials to funding opportunities via the corridor’s matching grants program, businesses can find a variety of resources tailored to their specific needs. The webinar highlighted successful case studies of companies that have established themselves in the region through strategic partnerships and leveraging the corridor’s extensive support network.

A Growing Hub for Life Sciences

Central Florida is rapidly becoming a hub for life sciences innovation, driven by major investments in healthcare, biotechnology, and medical research. The region’s “Medical City,” located near Orlando, features a concentration of world-class hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare innovation centers, including the UCF Medical School and the VA SimLEARN Center.

This ecosystem, combined with Florida's pro-business policies, low corporate tax rates, and access to a large consumer base, positions Central Florida as a competitive and attractive location for international life sciences companies.

Looking Ahead

The session closed with an invitation to European companies to explore the opportunities Central Florida offers. The region’s support for innovation, combined with its business-friendly environment, makes it a compelling destination for companies in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and beyond.

As the Epicentre Project continues to foster collaboration between European and U.S. companies, Central Florida stands out as a region ripe with potential for growth, innovation, and successful market entry.