IGNITE

IGNITE is an entrepreneur support program at Florida State University. Our program is designed to grow new technology ventures through business development expertise, an expansive community network, top-of-the-line facilities, and access funding sources. We specialize in entrepreneurial programs and services for early-stage, high tech startups.

The IGNITE program is a transformational initiative geared to serving as a connector and catalyst to the North Florida regional economy. By developing and translating tangible solutions to societal challenges, this program will provide the spark needed to ignite a thriving innovative ecosystem. We provide our clients with world-class entrepreneurship training, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to capital. With full support from our community partners, IGNITE will take the first of many steps into the future of research.

I - Inspiring the G - Generation of N - New I - Ideas and T - Translational E - Excellence

Join Our Incubator Program Today!

Before You Apply to our Program

Admissions decisions are at the full and final discretion of the IGNITE Leadership Team and IGNITE Vetting Committee. Declined applicants may reapply every 6 months or at the invitation of the IGNITE Leadership Team.
Ventures do not have to have an affiliation to FSU or an FSU technology license to join the program.
We do not operate a student incubator. Interested FSU students should contact the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship's Center for Student Engagement.

Program Eligibility Requirements

Be registered to do business in the State of Florida.
Pass a background check.
Express identifiable reasons to align with FSU, IGNITE, and community partners.
Present a clearly defined business model.
Have a technology innovation with a proprietary advantage to the venture’s business model.
Demonstrate high growth potential. The program does not accept service-only labs, lifestyle companies, contract research organizations without a strong innovation angle, or SBIR factories without clear commercial intentions.
Be an early-stage venture in the R&D or process-development phase. Bio-manufacturing companies and companies looking for clinical trial sites are not a good fit for the program.

Your Commitment to IGNITE

Clients make the following commitments to gain admission:

Provide economic impact data periodically to the program as requested. Growth is measured on metrics such as job growth, average salaries, outside funding, revenue growth, products launched, patents applied for/awarded, program participation, social and community impact, etc. All data provided remains confidential and is reported in aggregate.
Commit at least 1 FTE to the venture.
Actively access advisory support to advance its strategic priorities as appropriate to its development.
Participate in one or more IGNITE business programs annually or three or more seminars quarterly.
Provide financial statements periodically as requested by the program.
Commit to making meaningful progress toward graduation from the incubation program in an appropriate or reasonable timeframe.

Apply Now

World-Class Facility

Our state-of-the-art facility, located at IGNITE Tallahassee, is designed to support early-stage and growing tech companies in high-priority targeted industries.

To support our clients and provide world-class service, our facility offers the following:

30+ Bio and Chemical Labs
20+ Secure Offices
Flex Labs & Maker Spaces
Shared Lab Equipment (Published List Coming Soon)
Communal Office Amenities
Conference Rooms (Large & Small)
Co-Working Spaces
Breakrooms
Training & Mentoring Opportunities

Our Clients

Piersica: Powering the Future
Piersica is revolutionizing energy storage with next-generation, solid-state lithium-based batteries. Offering three times the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, Piersica’s innovative technology delivers higher voltage, greater capacity, and faster charging. With a focus on creating high-performance energy solutions for a wide range of applications, Piersica is leading the charge toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

QuarryBio: Your Partner in Protein Research
QuarryBio specializes in protein expression, extraction, purification, and characterization, offering tailored solutions to complex research challenges. Unlike routine service providers, we collaborate with clients to solve difficult protein-related problems, leveraging our expertise to develop innovative experimental strategies.

VSURGIC: Your Secure Live Connection into the O.R.
VSURGIC offers a secure, reliable SaaS platform for live video feeds during surgeries. Designed for the unique demands of the operating room, our fully encrypted, HIPAA and HiTech-compliant system connects surgical teams with industry experts through high-quality, zero-footprint cameras and an intuitive, low-maintenance interface. Focused on innovation and driven by real-world surgical experience, VSURGIC provides a safe, controlled solution for seamless video sharing in live procedures.