Innovation
Innovation doesn’t happen in vacuum. In fact, we’d argue that cutting-edge advances and discoveries happen in a vibrant community of people and organizations who are passionate about affecting change in the healthcare and life sciences industries.
With a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD) is that community, offering healthcare and life sciences entrepreneurs a wealth of resources, including robust startup incubators and accelerators and access to funding from numerous private equity and venture capital firms.
Whether you're a seasoned biotech entrepreneur or just starting out, the TMRD ecosystem provides ample opportunities for networking, collaboration and growth. Here, you’ll find the support you need to scale your business, access funding and turn your innovative ideas into reality.
Navigate the Network
Starting or growing your healthcare or life sciences company in Tampa has never been easier. Organizations such as Embarc Collective and Tampa Bay Wave help entrepreneurs expertly navigate an extensive network of venture capital and private equity firms, connecting them with the right investors, support organizations and resources tailored to each company’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking seed funding or looking to scale, the TMRD’s incredible business support system is committed to empowering entrepreneurs like you to flourish in our dynamic ecosystem.
Embarc Collective
Embarc Collective is a renowned 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Tampa, Florida, dedicated to helping startups thrive. Supporting a community of more than 100 technology startups, Embarc Collective offers on-demand programming, connections to national customers and investors and more than 1,400 hours of personalized strategic coaching annually. Operating from a 32,000-square-foot hub in downtown Tampa, it hosts more than 200 entrepreneurship- and tech-focused events, drawing over 20,000 visitors each year. Since its 2019 launch, Embarc Collective has served more than 230 startups, creating nearly 1,000 jobs and raising over $200 million in capital. In 2023, it was one of only two U.S.-based organizations recognized as a top global startup support program by UBI Global.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that only 50% of startups survive beyond five years, an astonishing 96% of Embarc Collective member startups make it to five years. Embarc Collective continually adapts its support to meet companies' evolving needs, ensuring its relevance within Florida’s startup community.
Tampa Bay Wave
Built for founders and fueled by community, Tampa Bay Wave is a nonprofit tech entrepreneurial support organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses. What began as a local meetup in 2008 has grown into Florida’s No. 1 accelerator, fostering a robust tech startup ecosystem and an inclusive, diverse community, with companies recruited from the U.S. and 30 countries. Tampa Bay Wave has supported more than 550 startups, with health tech being their largest vertical. In addition, the organization has helped create over 5,500 jobs and raised nearly $1 billion in investor funding. Plus, Tampa Bay Wave’s programs maintain a high quality, evidenced by a 9.6+ Net Promoter Score. These achievements and many others have helped Tampa Bay Wave become a top 100 global firm and the only tech accelerator in Florida to earn accreditation by Morrow.
Support from Experts
There is no shortage of incredible opportunities to start, grow and scale a business in the Tampa Medical & Research District. Based on your unique business needs, we can assist with connecting you to a robust network of venture capital and private equity firms that support innovation in healthcare and life sciences, including:
- • Anzu Partners
- • Ballast Point Ventures
- • Deepwork Capital
- • Florida Funders
- • Florida Opportunity Fund
- • HealthEdge Investment Partners
- • HealthQuest Capital
- • SCP & CO
- • Tampa Bay Ventures
- • TGH Ventures
- • Topmark Partners
- • Weatherford Capital
