Everything founders need to build from Daytona
Talent. Testing infrastructure. Funding. Incubation. Organized for founders.
Four universities. 100K+ students. Year-round talent.
Aerospace engineers, data scientists, business talent, and technical specialists. Recruit locally instead of competing nationally.
Focus Areas
Aerospace engineering, data science, unmanned systems, cybersecurity, systems engineering
Startup Pipeline
Thousands of aerospace-focused graduates per year. Co-op and internship programs open to startups.
Focus Areas
Applied technology, workforce development, advanced manufacturing programs
Startup Pipeline
Graduates in technical and applied fields. Expanding aerospace and technology programs.
Focus Areas
Business leadership, community development, diverse innovation talent
Startup Pipeline
Developing diverse talent across business, leadership, and STEM fields in Daytona Beach.
Focus Areas
Engineering, computer science, regional partnerships, research collaboration
Startup Pipeline
Brings UCF degree programs and research partnerships to Daytona Beach. One of the largest universities in the U.S.
Built for things that need to be tested in the real world
Airfields, coastline, motorsports facilities, fabrication shops, and affordable space. Built for startups that make physical products.
Airfield & Flight Testing
Daytona Beach International Airport and surrounding facilities. Flight testing access for UAV, eVTOL, and aviation startups. Embry-Riddle operates its own flight line.
Motorsports Facilities
Daytona International Speedway and surrounding engineering facilities. Testing infrastructure for high-performance systems, materials, and safety.
Fabrication & Prototyping
Composite fabrication, precision machining, CNC, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. Available locally at startup-friendly pricing.
Coastal Test Environment
Atlantic coastline. Natural testing ground for marine robotics, coastal sensors, storm modeling, and climate resilience technology.
Affordable Industrial Space
Lab, warehouse, and industrial space at a fraction of major metro costs. Room for prototyping, manufacturing, and testing from day one.
Logistics & Connectivity
I-95, I-4, CSX rail, and Daytona Beach International Airport. Ship products, receive materials, and reach customers across the Southeast and beyond.
Funding pathways for Daytona-based startups
Federal grants, state incentives, defense contracts, angel networks, and university research funding.
SBIR / STTR Grants
FederalFederal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Daytona's proximity to military installations and the aerospace corridor makes defense-adjacent funding accessible.
Florida Innovation Incentives
StateState-level tax incentives, grants, and economic development support for technology companies creating jobs in Florida.
Defense Contracting Pathways
DefenseKennedy Space Center, Patrick Space Force Base, and Florida's defense corridor. Direct pathways to defense procurement and contracting.
Angel & Early-Stage Networks
PrivateAngel investor networks and early-stage investment groups active in Central Florida. Pitch events and demo days connect founders to capital.
University Research Grants
AcademicCollaborate with Embry-Riddle and other institutions on funded research. Lab resources, student researchers, and institutional backing for your technology.
Local Economic Development
LocalVolusia County and the City of Daytona Beach offer economic development incentives for companies creating jobs in the region.
From idea to launch with real support
University-backed programs plus industry mentors who have built and shipped in aerospace, motorsports, and defense.
- Embry-Riddle Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- University-based incubator programs and lab access
- Industry mentors from aerospace, motorsports, and defense
- Pitch events, demo days, and investor introductions
- Daytona Innovation community network and events
- Cross-sector collaboration and partnership facilitation
Idea Stage
Test your concept with university researchers. Access prototyping labs. Meet potential co-founders at community events.
Build Stage
Use fabrication facilities. Hire student interns. Work with industry mentors. Prove your technology with real testing infrastructure.
Launch Stage
Apply for SBIR/STTR grants. Connect with investors. Pursue defense contracts. Scale with affordable space and local talent.
Connected to the institutions that matter
Research labs. Student talent. Government programs. Real institutional backing.
Embry-Riddle
Research & Talent
Aerospace research, student co-ops, incubation programs, and lab access.
Kennedy Space Center
Aerospace Corridor
60 miles away. NASA, SpaceX, and defense infrastructure on the space coast.
NASCAR / DIS
Engineering Network
Decades of applied engineering, materials science, and testing infrastructure.
Florida DEO
State Programs
State economic development, tax incentives, and business support programs.
Why founders choose Daytona
0%
State income tax
Florida has no state income tax. More of your revenue stays in the company.
50-70%
Lower operating costs
Industrial space, office space, and cost of living dramatically lower than major metros.
100K+
Students across 4 universities
Engineers, scientists, and business talent graduating year-round.
60 mi
To Kennedy Space Center
Adjacent to Florida's aerospace corridor, defense installations, and space industry.
365
Days of building weather
Year-round outdoor testing and Atlantic coast quality of life for your team.
3
Major interstates accessible
I-95, I-4, rail, and an international airport for logistics and connectivity.
Ready to build from Daytona?
Join the Daytona Innovation community. Talent, mentorship, testing infrastructure, and founders who are already here.