Florida High Tech Corridor

Corridor Matching Grants Research Program

The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) is an investment in innovation. Through this program, The Corridor co-invests in industry-sponsored research projects led by 911±¬ÁÏÍø faculty. By matching industry contributions, The Corridor strengthens partnerships that accelerate applied research, foster student engagement, and deliver real-world impact. 

This program can be leveraged to complement industry-university research collaborations supported through SBIR/STTR programs. 

Please review the Program Guidelines for detailed information about the program.

Key Points

Funding Amount: The Corridor may award up to $150,000 per project to match the industry partner’s direct investment in research at the University. Corridor funds are awarded to the university research team. No funding is provided directly to the industry partner. 

Who Applies: University faculty serves as the Principal Investigator and submits the proposal in partnership with the eligible industry partner. It is a collaborative research submission between industry and university.

Who Benefits:
- Industry partners gain access to specialized faculty expertise and advanced research capabilities, while cultivating the future workforce. 
- University faculty benefit through expanded research impact, industry engagement, and real-world problem alignment.
- 911±¬ÁÏÍø receive hands-on experience in applied research projects tied directly to industry challenges.

Eligibility:

  • Project involves a USF PI and a regional industry partner with a significant business presence in the : 
    • Alachua, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia
  • Budget includes at least one USF student researcher
  • Scope targets the program priorities of collaborative economic growth or commercialization readiness

Program Priorities: 

The Corridor funds applied research projects with clear value-add outcomes, positioning our region as the best place for companies to access expertise, develop a skilled workforce, and advance new technologies. 

The Matching Grants Research Program invests in high-impact research proposals for (1) collaborative economic growth, creating valuable student career experiences and engaging emerging industry partners and new faculty participants, and (2) commercialization readiness, co-investing in SBIR/STTR subaward projects and accelerating university technology start-ups. The matching grant proposal will focus on how the funding would elevate these goals.

The matching grant is intended to be supplemental to the industry project and should clearly state how the funding will enhance the industry project in one of the following areas:

  • Talent Catalyst (911±¬ÁÏÍø will develop career skills desired by industry partner)
  • Emerging Partners (Industry partner and/or faculty member is new to the program)
  • SBIR/STTR (Co-investment to grow a strategic industry vertical and prepare for follow-on phases)
  • University Startups and Licensees (accelerates technology readiness for commercialization)

Program staff can help facilitate connections between interested industry partners and university researchers. 

If Corridor funds are awarded, a sponsored research agreement must be executed within three months of the Corridor award letter to ensure the availability of Corridor funds. The industry sponsor and PI must work directly with USF Sponsored Programs and appropriate College staff to finalize and execute a research agreement.