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Florida State University is broadening its influence with the introduction of IGNITE Tallahassee — a 40,000-square-foot startup incubator situated in Innovation Park.
Collaborating with the Leon County Research and Development Authority, FSU actively nurtures deep-tech initiatives by providing the infrastructure, knowledge, and programming essential to transform ambitious ideas into scalable enterprises.
“IGNITE is an invaluable resource that will cultivate opportunities, forge connections, and ultimately promote job creation throughout the North Florida region,” remarked Alissa Costabile, IGNITE Program Director. “Florida’s prosperity depends on how effectively universities, businesses, and government cooperate to convert research into opportunities. IGNITE exemplifies how we can collaborate to facilitate economic growth in our area.”
Traditionally, deep-tech startups in North Florida have struggled to find the necessary local support for growth — frequently moving to other regions of the state or further. This trend has led to brain drain, diminished job prospects, and weakened regional competitiveness. IGNITE addresses this need, allowing startups to expand locally, retain talent, and bolster the region’s economy.
IGNITE aids founders through personalized entrepreneurial services, funding strategies, mentorship, and a strong network of collaborators. Programming encompasses targeted workshops and seminars on SBIR/STTR proposal writing, intellectual property strategy, and startup development. Partnerships with TiE Tampa Bay, local business leaders, and academic researchers enhance the impact across the wider North Florida community.
The facility boasts over 30 labs — both private and shared — in addition to more than 20 private offices, a dozen meeting rooms, and collaborative areas designed to encourage innovation. Shared lab access and high-end equipment enable startups to commence research immediately, sidestepping costly infrastructure investments and hastening their market entry.
By linking entrepreneurs to a dynamic network of experts, institutions, and technical resources, IGNITE is fostering an environment conducive to breakthrough innovation.
“The opportunity IGNITE offers for startups to scale—while pursuing research and development—without leaving the region is revolutionary for Tallahassee,” Costabile stated.
This initiative is partially made feasible through support from the National Science Foundation’s Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program, which aids universities in better translating research into practical applications that benefit the economy and society. IGNITE is pivotal in furthering that mission within the Tallahassee area.
Located within a premier research ecosystem — encompassing the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the Center for Advanced Power Systems, and the High-Performance Materials Institute — IGNITE provides startups with access to facilities where breakthroughs in energy, materials, and advanced technologies occur. Combined with assets such as the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion and collaborations with FAMU, Tallahassee State College, and industry leader Danfoss, entrepreneurs can leverage expertise, talent, and partnerships to turn ambitious ideas into market-ready innovations.
Among IGNITE’s initial clients are three science-focused ventures developing high-impact technologies: Piersica is advancing next-gen batteries with enhanced capacity and rapid charging; VSURGIC is revolutionizing surgical care via a secure, real-time video platform for operating rooms; and QuarryBio is developing a swift, bedside diagnostic to identify gastrointestinal damage—aimed at decreasing false positives and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
These ventures exemplify IGNITE’s mission to ensure ambitious ideas don’t stagnate in the lab but instead evolve into practical solutions that benefit people and communities.
“IGNITE has been instrumental to our growth—providing the specialized lab space, resources, and supportive community we need to explore new frontiers in next-generation energy storage. It’s enabled us to expedite our technology and expand our team, all while remaining anchored in Tallahassee’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem,” stated Claudiu Bucur, Piersica founder and CEO.
IGNITE will commemorate its Grand Opening during FSU’s Discovery Days on Oct. 21, 2025 — meet the current incubator companies, learn from tech startup experts, and discover programs available to tech entrepreneurs in North Florida!
To find out more about IGNITE Tallahassee, please click here.
The post IGNITE TALLAHASSEE LAUNCHES, BRIDGING INNOVATION GAP IN NORTH FLORIDA first appeared on Florida State University News.
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