Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneurial business incubator, to boost STEM education and drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in Lakeland and the region.
Leaders from the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, Jan. 31 at Catapult in Downtown Lakeland.
The partnership seeks to empower students and faculty with hands-on STEM education and entrepreneurial opportunities, fueling the region’s transformation into a high-tech economic hub.
“We now have a platform for collaboration, and I firmly believe that it doesn’t matter who gets the credit, it just matters that we do good things together and make a difference,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “Ultimately, we all want to make Lakeland a hub for innovation and this is just one step.”
Catapult’s sprawling 10,000-square-foot makerspace provides a top-quality setting equipped with advanced tools and technologies to help bring innovative ideas to life.
“We believe this is the beginning of a powerful collaboration that will shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in all of Central Florida,” said Christin Strawbridge, Catapult’s president. “We’re excited to show up tomorrow and make this a partnership that really matters.”
Key elements anticipated in the partnership include:
- Access to the Makerspace will be granted to designated Florida Poly faculty, fabricators and students for approved projects or business ventures.
- Florida Poly students can collaborate with Catapult’s entrepreneurial community, participate in pitch nights, engage in mentorship relationships and gain firsthand experience with start-up development.
- Faculty will advise students and collaborate with Catapult startups and local businesses, offering technical solutions and research support in areas like engineering, data science and tech development.
- Florida Poly will provide resources, including its 3D print farm and technical expertise, to help Catapult startups accelerate product development while offering students valuable hands-on experience in engineering and design.
The Florida Poly-Catapult partnership aims to diversify the Lakeland and Central Florida economies through STEM innovation and entrepreneurship. Its success will help position Lakeland as a leader in high-tech industries vital to both Florida’s and nation’s economic future.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
