orlando is
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WHERE “NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE” GETS DONE EVERY DAY

Orlando is the leading region in the U.S. building the foundation of the Metaverse. Its expertise in creating immersive, technologically advanced experiences has long placed Orlando as the MetaCenter™ of new world adventure. The metaverse affects the way we interact with each other, how we approach work, and how we’re entertained. From AR/VR, gaming and fintech to IoT, modeling, simulation and AI, Orlando’s innovation, entrepreneurs, companies, and talent pioneer the key enabling technologies of the metaverse and the evolution of the global digital economy.

“Orlando’s vast experience in interactive entertainment and modeling, simulation and training coupled with the rise of regional expertise in AR/VR, AI, IOT, and more, makes the region uniquely positioned for future growth…”

– Daryl Holt

Vice President and General Manager, EA Tiburon, EA SPORTS Austin and EA SPORTS Madrid

Decades of Pioneering Key Metaverse TechnologieS

ORLANDO METACENTER™

The metaverse is being created in Orlando…We call it The MetaCenter™

The density of talent, investment, industry, and creativity in the areas of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, IoT technology, gaming, 3D, and modeling and simulation makes Orlando ground zero for Metaverse development – a fact that is Unbelievably Real.

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    Home to the largest concentration of VR/AR faculty and researchers from all U.S. universities

    University of Central Florida, 2024

  • $6B+ Annual Simulation-Related Contracts in the Region

    National Center for Simulation

  • Award Icon

    No. 1 Game Design Program Worldwide

    Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at UCF
    Princeton Review, 2024

  • No. 1 Best Large City to Start a Business

    WalletHub, 2024

Orlando Regional Digital Twin with Data Overlays
“Orlando is not only a hub for business and technology, but a merging intersection of many industries including defense, space and entertainment – an obvious choice for our second office…”

– John Riccitiello

CEO, Unity

What is the METAVERSE

Massive shared worlds driven by virtual products and experiences that are highly immersive, interactive and interoperable.

“From simulation and modeling to game development, world building, and even Imagineering, Orlando houses not only the talent, but also the business-friendly climate incentives that are needed to develop the metaverse…”

– Cathy Hackl

Godmother of the Metaverse, Chief Metaverse Officer, Journey

Orlando Metacenter™ industries

AR/VR

  • Orlando is home to the largest density of Unity licenses in the U.S.
  • Orlando is building the first immersive Digital Twin.
  • Orlando is the global epicenter of modeling, simulation and training which is the core of technology to create the metaverse.
  • Orlando’s world-class entertainment, theme park and gaming industry provides large talents pools for creative and design.
  • The Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLEARN) is the VHA’s program for simulation in health care training. 
  • The Central Florida Chapter of the AR/VR Association is one of the largest and most active chapters. 

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control

Company: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control

Phone: (407) 356-1000

Address: 5600 Sand Lake Road MP-100 Orlando, FL 32819-8907

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Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Disney operates iconic theme parks and resorts that attract millions of visitors annually.

Company: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

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Description: Disney Experiences, commonly known as Disney Parks, is one of the three major divisions of the Walt Disney Company

AVT Simulation

AVT Simulation provides engineering, modeling, support, and database services within the training and simulation industries.

Company: AVT Simulation

Industry: Simulation

Company Size (Employees): 0-50

Description: AVT Simulation provides engineering, modeling, support, and database services within the training and simulation industries.

Brand XR

A no-code Augmented Reality platform and award-winning XR creative studio.

Company: Brand XR

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Description: A no-code Augmented Reality platform and award-winning XR creative studio.

Red 6

Brings the Virtual and Constructive assets into the real-world by allowing pilots and ground operators to see synthetic threats in…

Company: Red 6

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Description: Red 6 brings the Virtual and Constructive assets into the real-world by allowing pilots and ground operators to see synthetic threats in real-time, outdoors and, critically, in high-speed environments.

JetBlue

JetBlue operates a major hub at Orlando International Airport, supporting flight operations and customer service.

Company: JetBlue

Industry: Aviation and Airlines

Company Size (Employees): 1000-5000

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Description: JetBlue operates one of its three national training centers at Orlando International Airport (MCO), called its Orlando Support Campus.

Engineering & Computer Simulations

Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) is a global training and technology solutions company headquartered in Orlando.

Company: Engineering & Computer Simulations

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Description: Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) is a global training and technology solutions company headquartered in Orlando.

Mass Virtual

Located in Central Florida Research Park, Mass Virtual helps organizations increase their level of experience by using virtual technologies to…

Company: Mass Virtual

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Description: Located in Central Florida Research Park, Mass Virtual helps organizations increase their level of experience by using virtual technologies to save money and time while enhancing human performance.

Leidos

Leidos is an American defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research company.

Company: Leidos

Industry: Aviation, Aerospace and Defense, Energy

Company Size (Employees): 500-1000

Description: Leidos is an American defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research company.

Echo Interaction Group

Echo is a Mobile app development firm that offers a range of emerging technologies. They also assist in research, development,…

Company: Echo Interaction Group

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Description: Founded and led by CEO Carlos Carbonell in 2008, Echo is a Mobile app development firm that offers a range of emerging technologies. Echo known far and wide for working with national brands on mobile application development, but we also assist in research, development, and execution on many fronts such as iOS, Android and Web Apps, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Content Management Systems, Hardware Integration, Beacon Technology, Technology Marketing, Video Distribution, and Social and Digital Media.

Falcon’s Creative Group

Falcon’s Creative Group is an entertainment design services company headquarted in Orlando.

Company: Falcon’s Creative Group

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Description: Falcon’s Creative Group is an entertainment design services company headquarted in Orlando.

Steamroller Studios

Steamroller Studios is a full-service production studio with a focus on high-end animation, programming, and concept art.

Company: Steamroller Studios

Industry: Innovative Technologies

Company Size (Employees): 0-50

Description: Steamroller Studios is a full-service production studio with a focus on high-end animation, programming, and concept art.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

  • University of Central Florida’s Department of Computer Science employs faculty experts in machine learning and AI.
  • Orlando-headquartered AdventHealth partnered with GE Health to open the nation’s largest ‘Mission Control’ command center using AI technology to monitor patients across the entire health care system.  It is the nation’s largest healthcare command center, at over 12,500 square feet with 78 workstations that were designed, built, and installed by Constant Technologies. Currently there are 50 team members on staff, with the available capacity to grow. Mission Control is built to evolve as the system and the needs of the hospital change and progress.
  • Siemens’ Orlando operations use a digital twin and AI technology application called MindSphere to simulate power plant models.
  • An industry leader in the application of innovative, third-wave, context-informed AI solutions for DoD research and development problems, SoarTech focuses on the development of intelligent software that reasons like humans, to automate complex tasks, simplify human-machine interactions, and model human behaviors. 
  • Checkr is a background check company that helps employers hire candidates with criminal backgrounds and uses AI in its process.

Checkr

Uses AI and machine learning to help tens of thousands of companies modernize their background check process

Company: Checkr

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Description: Checkr’s mission is to build a fairer future by designing technology to create opportunities for all. Established in 2014 and valued at $2.2 billion, Checkr is using technology to bring hiring to the next level. Its People Trust Platform uses AI and machine learning to help tens of thousands of companies modernize their background check process and make hiring safer, more efficient, and inclusive.

SoarTech

Helps U.S. agencies develop intelligent systems that emulate human decision making in order to enhance user abilities

Company: SoarTech

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Description: Since 1998, SoarTech has been helping U.S. agencies develop intelligent systems that emulate human decision making in order to enhance user abilities. By studying and modeling many kinds of human behavior, the company creates software that “thinks the way people think”: constantly learning, getting smarter, and adapting new times and situations. Much of this scientific base is encoded within its computational cognitive architecture, which enables the creation of autonomous software agents that can reason over large amounts of human-level knowledge. The end result for users is a system that is not just a tool in their hands, but a thinking partner. SoarTech is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has a satellite office in Orlando. It is an active member in the National Training Systems Association (NTSA) and National Defense Industry Association (NDIA), and actively participates in the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC), and the Behavior Representation in Modeling and Simulation (BRIMS) Conference.

kore.ai

Pioneered the creation and adoption of AI-first virtual assistants by enterprises across all industries and regions

Company: kore.ai

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Description: Kore.ai pioneered the creation and adoption of AI-first virtual assistants by enterprises across all industries and regions. Over the years, Kore.ai has emerged as the trusted advisor and preferred technology provider to automate conversational interactions for its Global 2000 customers. Kore.ai’s conversational AI product portfolio has and will continue to transform enterprises by automating delightful customer and employee experiences with unmatched contextual intelligence. By partnering with leading ISVs and global system integrators, Kore.ai is helping its customers accelerate their digital transformation journeys to affect both top and bottom-line.

AdventHealth

Company: AdventHealth

Phone: (407) 357-1000

Address: 550 E. Rollins St. Suite 103 Orlando, FL 32803

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Siemens

Siemens focuses on industrial automation, distributed energy resources, rail transport, and health technology, and is the largest industrial manufacturing company…

Company: Siemens

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Description: Siemens is a German multinational technology conglomerate. It is focused on industrial automation, distributed energy resources, rail transport and health technology. Siemens is the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe,and holds the position of global market leader in industrial automation and industrial software.

ONPASSIVE

An AI technology company that builds fully autonomous SaaS products using the latest AI software technologies for our global customer…

Company: ONPASSIVE

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Description: ONPASSIVE is an AI Technology Company that builds fully autonomous SaaS products using the latest AI software technologies for our global customer base. ONPASSIVE AI company brings in a competitive advantage, innovation, and fresh perspectives to business and technology challenges. We are here to accelerate innovation and transform businesses from strategy to designing, implementation, and management.

care.ai

Transforms healthcare settings with powerful AI-enabled automation

Company: care.ai

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Description: The care.ai Smart Care Facility Platform transforms healthcare settings with powerful AI-enabled automation that improves processes, saves valuable time, reduces costs and eases burdens on care teams so they can focus on delivering the best patient care possible.

Mayasoft

A business holding company dedicated to the automation of business processes through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and software…

Company: Mayasoft

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Description: Mayasoft is a business holding company dedicated to the automation of business processes, through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and software robots with the clear objective of supporting companies in their transformation process, bringing innovation and technology with potential to improve any process to achieve greater efficiency and increase the quality of products and services.

optics & photonics | Modeling, simulation & training

3D RECONSTRUCTION

  • Orlando has a uniquely competitive position for optics and photonics companies due to its longstanding history in aerospace technology and manufacturing.
  • The region’s assets like the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics & Photonics (CREOL) and Central Florida Research Park give these companies a competitive advantage compared to other locations around the world.
  • Orlando’s simulation industry is powered by more than 60 years of research and development, a workforce more than 60,000 strong, billions of dollars’ worth of investment and an ecosystem of connected infrastructure and specialized centers of excellence.
  • From our early aviation roots as a training center for military pilots and later a community built to win the space race, Orlando’s storyline is one that begins and remains one of a community that welcomes and embraces simulation innovation.
  • From aerospace and defense to education, healthcare and gaming, Orlando’s simulation technology sector is behind innovations with global impact.  

University of Central Florida

Company: University of Central Florida

Phone: (407) 823-2000

Address: 12443 Research Parkway Suite 301 Orlando, FL 32826

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Luminar Technologies

Luminar is a sensor and software company delivering LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

Company: Luminar Technologies

Industry: Electronics

Company Size (Employees): 100-500

Description: Luminar is a sensor and software company with the vision to power every AV by delivering the only LiDAR capable of making them both safe and ubiquitous.

SIMETRI

Based in Central Florida Research Park, SIMETRI develops creative, realistic technologies to fill or improve critical medical training gaps with…

Company: SIMETRI

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Description: Based in Central Florida Research Park, SIMETRI develops creative, realistic technologies to fill or improve critical medical training gaps with cost-effective solutions based on sound training effectiveness evaluation.

LensAR

LensAR is a medical device manufacturer based in Orlando that provides next-generation femtosecond laser technology for refractive cataract surgery.

Company: LensAR

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Description: LensAR is a medical device manufacturer based in Orlando that provides next-generation femtosecond laser technology for refractive cataract surgery.

.decimal

A precision manufacturer of patient-specific custom beam shaping devices for proton, electron, and photon therapies.

Company: .decimal

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Description: .decimal® is a precision manufacturer of patient-specific custom beam shaping devices for proton, electron, and photon therapies used in the treatment of cancer. We are also a software development company specializing in radiation oncology planning, dose-based device design, and CT- based range comp QA. The research focused on innovations in radiation oncology is our passion. Over the years, we are proud to have supported research with institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, LSU/Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, University of Florida, and the University of Central Florida to name a few.

Dash

Enabling clinicians to visualize and experience human anatomy in three-dimensional form with unparalleled realism, accuracy, and clinical usability.

Company: Dash

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Description: DASH is transforming the practice of medicine by enabling clinicians to visualize and experience human anatomy in three-dimensional form with unparalleled realism, accuracy, and clinical usability.

NeoMetrix Technologies, Inc.

A global leader in 3D scanning, 3D pringing, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping

Company: NeoMetrix Technologies, Inc.

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Description: 3D SCANNING | 3D PRINTING | REVERSE ENGINEERING | RAPID PROTOTYPING

ScannerMax

A world leader in the field of laser control software and hardware, laser diode protection, and galvanometers and rotary actuators.

Company: ScannerMax

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Description: ScannerMAX is a division of Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. – a multi-national organization with offices in the United States, Central Europe and Mainland China. Founded in 1986, Pangolin has become a world leader in the field of laser control software and hardware, laser diode protection, and galvanometers and rotary actuators for the industrial, aerospace and entertainment sectors.

TrueScan

TrueScan specializes in laser scanning and 3D modeling services nationally and at many international sites.

Company: TrueScan

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Description: TrueScan specializes in laser scanning and 3D modeling services nationally and at many international sites. With offices in Cincinnati, Orlando, Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Miami, Tampa, and Atlanta, TrueScan can mobilize to any US city quickly.

FARO Technologies

FARO designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supports software-driven 3D imaging solutions.

Company: FARO Technologies

Description: FARO Technologies, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and supports software driven three-dimensional (3D) measurement and imaging solutions.

Photon-X

Based in Kissimmee, Photon-X specializes in 3D optical sensing and other technologies.

Company: Photon-X

Industry: Optics and Photonics

Address: 1925 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida 34744, US

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Description: A high-technology, research and development corporation based in Kissimmee, Florida that specializes in the furtherance of 3D optical sensing and nano-material based tagging and detection technologies.

L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris is a U.S. technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider.

Company: L3Harris Technologies

Industry: Aviation, Aerospace and Defense

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Description: L3Harris Technologies (L3Harris) is an American technology company, defense contractor and information technology services provider.

Lightpath Technologies

HQ’d in Orlando, LightPath is a global manufacturer of optical materials, components and infrared solutions.

Company: Lightpath Technologies

Industry: Optics and Photonics

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Description: Headquartered in Orlando, LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) is a global manufacturer of optical materials, components and infrared solutions for the automotive, industrial test and measurement, medical diagnostics, public safety, telecommunications and VR/AR industries.

Ocean Optics

Ocean Optics’s Orlando facility houses its corporate headquarters and manufacturing, engineering, and administrative teams.

Company: Ocean Optics

Industry: Optics and Photonics

Company Size (Employees): 100-500

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Description: Ocean Insight’s facility in Central Florida Research Park encompasses the company’s corporate headquarters as well as manufacturing, engineering, and administrative teams.

OptiGrate

Optigrate is a technology manufacturing company that helps optimize healthcare organizations.

Company: OptiGrate

Industry: Optics and Photonics

Company Size (Employees): 0-50

Description: Optigrate is a technology manufacturing company that offers data-driven solutions to optimize healthcare operations, improve patient care, and enhance administrative efficiency. Their services help healthcare organizations streamline processes and achieve better outcomes.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company.

Company: Northrop Grumman

Industry: Aviation, Aerospace and Defense

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Description: Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company.

GAMING

  • Orlando’s playground extends beyond its theme parks and outdoor recreation options into the digital world.
  • Fueled by the creative minds behind world-class entertainment technology, Orlando is on the verge of explosive growth in its game technology sector. 
  • Orlando houses nationally ranked schools including UCF’s FIEA and Full Sail University, which are consistently ranked every year in the Princeton Review’s Top Game Design Schools.
  • The Orlando Game Space is a one stop shop for development and creative projects. Orlando Game Space is community of digital media professionals that provides support, guidance and connections for growing companies at every level.
  • Indienomicon is a community that provides a streamlined platform to promote the game development industry with profiles of independent game studios Indienomicon hosts Indie Galactic Space Jam, a space themed game event in partnership with NASA and Space Florida each year.
  • The Fortress is home to esports on Full Sail University’s campus. Built to recognize and support Armada – Full Sail’s collegiate-level esports team – The Fortress is a flexible live production space, designed to host everything from friendly campus game events to full competitive collegiate tournaments.

Electronic Arts

Company: Electronic Arts

Address: 515 W. Ameilia St. Orlando, FL 32801

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Iron Galaxy Studios

Iron Galaxy is a U.S. game developer producing 60+ shipped titles.

Company: Iron Galaxy Studios

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Description: Iron Galaxy Studios is an American video game developer with offices in Orlando and Chicago. The studio produces over 60 shipped titles and offers full game development on creative projects from the ground up. Titles include Killer Instinct, Wreckateer, Divekick and Extention.

Full Sail University

Company: Full Sail University

Phone: (407) 679-0100

Address: 3300 University Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32792

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Unity Technologies

American video game software development company has a small, growing tech presense in the City of Orlando.

Company: Unity Technologies

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Description: American video game software development company has a small, growing tech presense in the City of Orlando.

GameSim

Orlando-based GameSim is a game development studio specializing in VFX, worldbuilding, and more.

Company: GameSim

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Description: Based in Orlando, GameSim products and services target the needs of the entertainment, modeling & simulation, and geospatial industries. GameSim engineers, designers, and artists maintain a customer-centric focus throughout the entire project lifecycle. Within the video game industry, GameSim provides full game development services to publishers or works as a co-developer for other studios.

CyberDream

Orlando-based CyberDream is a VR game development studio.

Company: CyberDream

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Description: Based in Orlando, Cyber Dream is a VR game development studio, employing professionals and game enthusiasts fascinated with the capabilities of virtual reality.

Semiconductors, sensors, network

IOT

  • NeoCity, a technology district is Osceola County, Florida, is dedicated to the development of smart sensors, photonics, software applications and process improvements in science and engineering.
  • The Center for NeoVation is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing research centers in the western hemisphere. The Center is currently being utilized by imec, an international research & development organization active in the fields of nanoelectronics and digital technologies, as well as U.S. based foundry Skywater Technologies, which is the current operator of the fabrication facility.
  • Skywater Technologies is a one of the country’s only pure-play foundries that combine agile development and quality volume manufacturing with trusted IP security to enable customers efficient development of highly differentiated technologies and rapidly deliver them to market.

SkyWater Technology

SkyWater Technology, the only U.S.-owned and U.S.-based pure play semiconductor foundry, is the official operator of Osceola County’s Center of…

Company: SkyWater Technology

Industry: Advanced Manufacturing

Company Size (Employees): 100-500

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Description: SkyWater Technology, the only U.S.-owned and U.S.-based pure play semiconductor foundry, is the official operator of Osceola County’s Center of NeoVation, a state-of-the-art 200 mm semiconductor manufacturing facility. Under its subsidiary, Skywater Florida, its operations at the facility is the foundation for the company’s leading-edge advanced packaging technology services. The company is working to rapidly address emerging commercial and government agency needs for U.S.-sourced electronics.

imec

Located in the Florida High Tech Corridor, imec drives local and global innovation on space applications, and cryogenic and superconducting…

Company: imec

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Description: Imec USA – Florida is located in the middle of the Florida High Tech Corridor, where it drives local and global innovation on space applications, and cryogenic and superconducting computing.

bridg

BRIDG is a versatile boutique microelectronics fabrication facility with 200mm (8-inch) wafer fab capabilities.

Company: bridg

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Description: BRIDG is a versatile boutique microelectronics fabrication facility with 200mm (8-inch) wafer fab capabilities. Established in Florida as a not-for-profit, industry-friendly public-private partnership through support of visionary partners, BRIDG accelerates technology commercialization by providing solutions to bridge technology and capability gaps across multiple fields.

Micross

Micross Components is the leading worldwide single-source supplier of specialty microelectronic components designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards.

Company: Micross

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Description: With a 40 year+ heritage, Micross Components is the leading worldwide single-source supplier of specialty microelectronic components designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. Micross continues to serve the Aerospace & Defense, Space, Medical, Industrial & Commercial markets with the most comprehensive range of hi-reliability microelectronic components and services available from one source.

“Our expansive multi-billion dollar VR/AR development, coupled with advancements we’ve made in 3D simulation and gaming have made Orlando the largest contributor to the building blocks of the metaverse….”

– Buddy Dyer

Mayor, City of Orlando

Orlando Innovation and Technology News