Lakeland Makerspace Collaboration
Lakeland sees a new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and Catapult Lakeland, aiming to invigorate STEM education and entrepreneurship. The collaboration provides students and faculty access to hands-on resources, including a business incubator and mentorship opportunities, fostering innovation in the community. This initiative not only enriches the academic experience but also encourages the growth of local startups, contributing to Central Florida’s economic development.
Guess what, Lakeland residents? A thrilling new partnership has just blossomed between Florida Polytechnic University and Catapult Lakeland, and it’s all about recharging the energy in our local business and innovative scenes! Just last Friday, these two dynamic institutions signed a memorandum of understanding that brings great news for students, faculty, and budding entrepreneurs around town.
This partnership invites Florida Poly students and faculty to gain access to the Catapult business incubator located in the heart of downtown Lakeland. Imagine all the practical, hands-on experiences they’ll get, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields! This collaboration is all set to empower them with new entrepreneurial opportunities that could lead to fantastic innovations.
Leading the charge in this groundbreaking agreement is the president of Florida Poly, who’s keen on turning Lakeland into a major center for innovation and ingenuity. With both institutions working together, residents might soon see a surge of creativity and fresh startups popping up right here in our community!
Now, what exactly is Catapult? It features a spacious 10,000-square-foot makerspace filled with advanced tools and technologies ideal for entrepreneurs who are looking to take their ideas to the next level. Florida Poly’s faculty, fabricators, and driven students will have access to this exciting space so they can work on approved projects or even start their own businesses.
But that’s not all! Florida Poly students will get to engage directly with Catapult’s energetic entrepreneurial community. They’ll have opportunities to participate in pitch nights, a chance to showcase their ideas to potential investors, and benefit from mentorship relationships with seasoned professionals.
This partnership also extends to Florida Poly’s faculty members, allowing them to work alongside Catapult’s startups and local businesses. They’ll be advising students and offering technical solutions in cutting-edge fields like engineering, data science, and tech development. Just think about all the potential collaborations that could arise from this unique mix of academia and business!
In an exciting twist, Florida Poly plans to lend its resources to assist Catapult’s startups. With a 3D print farm and extensive technical expertise, they will play a pivotal role in accelerating product development for new businesses while providing students with hands-on experience in engineering and design.
For Central Florida’s economy, this collaboration is a game-changer. It creates a direct path for community stakeholders to impact Lakeland’s local business environment directly. Imagine how many local success stories we could witness from this initiative!
And there’s even more. Florida Poly students and faculty won’t just be limited to the makerspace. They’ll also enjoy access to Catapult’s resource library and gain insights from their Experts in Residence. This commitment to growth reflects a strong desire to nurture the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Interestingly, this new partnership echoes a successful collaboration between Florida Southern College and Catapult, which gave rise to at least ten student-led startups. It’s clear that with the right support and resources, the sky is the limit for our local talent.
And hey, it’s not just for students! Local residents are encouraged to join Catapult’s Makerspace by becoming members, giving them the chance to bring their own product ideas to life. The community is all about creativity and collaboration, so why not jump on board?
With so much exciting potential in the air, it’s clear that Lakeland is on the verge of a vibrant evolution in entrepreneurship. Let’s keep an eye on how this partnership unfolds and the countless innovations it’s sure to produce!
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