Florida State University celebrated the grand opening of IGNITE Tallahassee during the third annual FSU Discovery Days, unveiling a new resource designed to serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurship, research and technology development in the Capital City.
This milestone marks a significant investment in Florida’s innovation infrastructure, offering researchers and startup businesses access to shared laboratories, private offices and collaborative environments that support early-stage ventures and cross-sector partnerships.
“IGNITE Tallahassee is a place where entrepreneurs and researchers can genuinely see themselves as part of something transformative,” said Alissa Martinez Costabile, IGNITE Tallahassee program director. “It’s exciting to watch the community come together, explore the space and connect with the innovators shaping the future right here in Tallahassee.”
The celebration brought together university leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs and community members to spotlight the region’s growing innovation ecosystem. Through panels, presentations and interactive experiences, attendees explored how the new space positions Tallahassee as a destination for technology and entrepreneurship.
“IGNITE Tallahassee stands as more than a building, it is a beacon for innovation, entrepreneurship and shared success,” said Darryl Jones, deputy director of the Office of Economic Vitality for Minority, Women and Small Business Programs. “It represents what happens when public investment, private ingenuity and community pride converge to create opportunities for generations to come.”
A panel discussion featuring Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, DOMI Station Executive Director Kara Holbert and Small Business Development Center at FAMU Regional Director Tangela Lofton, moderated by Costabile, explored how strategic partnerships between state and local entities are actively shaping Florida’s role as a hub for transformative technologies and businesses.
Panelists emphasized the critical role of regional innovation centers like IGNITE Tallahassee in bridging the gap between talent, capital and research. The growth of IGNITE highlights the growing momentum for tech entrepreneurship in North Florida, a development made possible through support from universities, investors and civic leaders.
“We all have a role to play, and we’re at this dynamic time where it’s all coming together, and the future is really bright for Tallahassee and Leon County moving forward,” Dailey said. “It’s about building community, and we all have a role to play in that community.”
The conversation centered on how collaborative policies and shared resources are fueling entrepreneurial growth, attracting investment and positioning the region for long-term success in technology and business development.
Another panel discussion on venture capital and angel funding featured insights from Rachel Ferm of Florida Funders, Kathy Chiu of DeepWork Capital and Doug Tatum of Newport LLC. The conversation, moderated by Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, Valerie Landrio McDevitt, explored the unique opportunities and challenges of investing in Florida-based startups, highlighting how the state’s growing tech sector is drawing increased interest from national and regional investors.
Panelists also shared what investors look for in early-stage companies, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, traction and team strength. These insights inspired attendees to reflect on their own entrepreneurial journeys, ask thoughtful questions and consider how best to position their ideas for future investment.
“If you ask a lot of students, many will say, ‘I still have no idea what I want to do after college,’” said Anthony Grosso, a finance major student at the FSU College of Business. “Having a resource like this is incredibly valuable. It gives you the chance to pick the brains of people who are already in the field, start narrowing down your options, and even discover new paths you hadn’t considered. It’s a great way to learn more and maybe even find the thing you’re truly called to do.”
During the event, FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor James Frederich also shared the journey behind the development of Taxol, a groundbreaking cancer treatment synthesized by FSU chemist Robert Holton. Emphasizing the power of scientific curiosity and perseverance, Frederich explained the pivotal role of FSU researchers in making Taxol — an achievement that continues to save lives and exemplifies the university’s impact on global health.
Robert Wandell, director for engineering innovation at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, discussed the college’s commitment to solving global challenges and nurturing future STEM leaders through technology commercialization and sustainable engineering.
Attendees concluded the grand opening with immersive tours of the IGNITE Tallahassee facility, gaining firsthand insight into the resources available to startups and innovators, while also viewing donated art pieces by John A. O’Connor, professor emeritus of art at the University of Florida, that will be permanently housed at IGNITE Tallahassee.
“I didn’t realize there was such an extensive network of people working to make innovation happen right here in Tallahassee,” said Jovey Osagie who graduated from FSU in 2024 with a degree in computer science. “Looking back as an alum and seeing that there are already connections to tap into — and people ready to invest in me — has opened my eyes to new opportunities. It’s made the path ahead much clearer. This gives me opportunity, and innovation needs opportunity.”
For more information about IGNITE Tallahassee, visit research.fsu.edu/ignite-tallahassee.