ORLANDO TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT GRANT
The Orlando Technology Support Grant expands the City of Orlando’s continued commitment to creating an environment for entrepreneurship as a critical component of the region’s innovation ecosystem. In collaboration with Innovate Orlando's Orlando Tech Community (OTC), the grant program provides funding support for Orlando technology-focused activities and programs.
The program provides lump-sum, matching grants to help organizations and companies develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community. The City of Orlando funded $65,000 which will be divided among winners according to the judges' determination based on the merit of the application.
Please be sure to read through all application requirements & criteria below before applying.
Application link can be found at the bottom of this page.
Judges will evaluate all applications and final awards determinations will be made by April 2, 2025.
Notifications, announcements and celebratory luncheon to follow.
ORLANDO TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT GRANT
The Orlando Technology Support Grant expands the City of Orlando’s continued commitment to creating an environment for entrepreneurship as a critical component of the region’s innovation ecosystem. In collaboration with Innovate Orlando's Orlando Tech Community (OTC), the grant program provides funding support for Orlando technology-focused activities and programs.
The program provides lump-sum, matching grants to help organizations and companies develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community. The City of Orlando funded $65,000 which will be divided among winners according to the judges' determination based on the merit of the application.
Applications for 2025 Grant are now closed. Thank you to all who participated.
Judges will evaluate all applications and final awards determinations will be make by April 2, 2025.
Notifications, announcements and celebratory luncheon to follow.
Please check back for updates.
2025 DATES
2/21
APPLICATIONS
OPEN
3/17
SUMBMISSION
DEADLINE
4/2
JUDGE
DETERMINATION
4/8
WINNERS
ANNOUNCED
PROGRAM GOALS
Five key goals provide a framework for the program:
Ecosystem Access
Supercharge Orlando’s innovation network by forging deep connections between founders, startups, and industry pioneers, creating pathways for breakthrough opportunities and growth.
Capital Acceleration
Activate investment pipelines, fueling early-stage ventures with private capital and first customers to drive rapid scalability.
Breakthrough Collaboration
Catalyze transformative partnerships between startups and established tech leaders, accelerating disruptive innovation and market expansion.
Talent Propulsion
Power the next generation of innovators by developing a dynamic, diverse, future-ready workforce equipped with cutting-edge skills.
Market Influence
Amplify Orlando’s global presence as a tech powerhouse through bold storytelling, strategic positioning, and high-impact community engagement.
AWARD PROCESS
This is a competitive grant program. Applications will be assessed by a panel of five volunteer judges recruited by Innovate Orlando to reflect breadth of expertise in areas considered critical to assessing the viability of the activities and programs. Each judge's expertise represents at least two of five areas:
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building
Vision: Judges will evaluate how effectively the initiative strengthens Orlando’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering connections between founders, startups, industry leaders, and support organizations.
Impact: How well the initiative enhances access to critical resources, networks, and collaborations that drive opportunity, innovation, and business growth within the ecosystem.
Cross-sector Innovation Development
Vision: Judges will assess the extent to which the initiative fosters collaboration across different sectors, bringing together diverse industries to spark transformative, multi-disciplinary innovation.
Impact: The initiative’s ability to bridge gaps between startups and established tech companies, driving synergies that accelerate progress and create scalable solutions across industries.
Building the Tech Talent Pipeline
Vision: Judges will look at how the initiative develops and nurtures a pipeline of skilled, diverse tech talent, preparing them for roles that will drive Orlando’s tech ecosystem forward.
Impact: The initiative’s ability to create educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and training that equip individuals with cutting-edge skills, ready to power innovation across the region.
Marketing and Communications
Vision: Judges will evaluate how the initiative elevates Orlando’s reputation as a tech hub, utilizing strategic marketing and communication to showcase the region’s strengths, achievements, and opportunities.
Impact: The initiative’s ability to engage and inspire stakeholders through impactful storytelling, outreach, and visibility, both locally and globally, to position Orlando as a center of innovation and growth.
Access to Capital and Contracts
Vision: Judges will assess how well the initiative creates pathways to private capital investments and first-customer contracts, fueling startup growth and scalability.
Impact: The ability of the initiative to attract investors, foster funding opportunities, and generate early contracts, accelerating business success and driving economic growth in the region.
All judges will submit written disclosures of conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from evaluating the specific application for which there is a conflict. Additionally, the Innovate Orlando staff will not serve on the judging panel.
APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA
Eligibliity Requirements
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, each applicant must have:
• A minimum 1-year history of producing the activity/program or similar activity/program
• At least one dedicated (paid or volunteer) administrator
• A reputation for excellence and credibility
• The capability to attract attendees on a regional level
• 10% match of funds requested – may be in-kind. Proof must be shown with application.
Criteria
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building (1-5 points)
- Vision: Judges will evaluate how effectively the initiative strengthens Orlando’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering connections between founders, startups, industry leaders, and support organizations.
- Impact: To what extent will the initiative increase access to critical resources, networks, and mentorship for diverse entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and thrive?
- Vision: Judges will evaluate how effectively the initiative strengthens Orlando’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering connections between founders, startups, industry leaders, and support organizations.
- Cross-Sector Innovation Development (1-5 points)
- Vision: How effectively does the initiative foster collaboration across diverse sectors, encouraging new partnerships between startups and established tech companies to drive cross-disciplinary innovation?
- Impact: How does the initiative bridge gaps between industries, spark new ideas, and create scalable solutions that will fuel Orlando’s growth as a tech hub?
- Vision: How effectively does the initiative foster collaboration across diverse sectors, encouraging new partnerships between startups and established tech companies to drive cross-disciplinary innovation?
- Building the Tech Talent Pipeline (1-5 points)
- Vision: How effectively does the initiative develop a robust pipeline of skilled tech talent, particularly with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, preparing individuals for careers that will help drive Orlando’s innovation economy forward
- Impact: Does the initiative provide tangible opportunities—such as training programs, mentorship, and internships—that equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the tech sector, while addressing the region’s workforce gaps?
- Vision: How effectively does the initiative develop a robust pipeline of skilled tech talent, particularly with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, preparing individuals for careers that will help drive Orlando’s innovation economy forward
- Marketing and Communications (1-5 points)
- Vision: How well does the initiative elevate Orlando’s position as a global tech leader through inclusive and transparent marketing and communications efforts?
- Impact: How effectively does the initiative engage and inspire stakeholders, creating awareness and positioning Orlando as a tech powerhouse that attracts investment, talent, and business opportunities?
- Vision: How well does the initiative elevate Orlando’s position as a global tech leader through inclusive and transparent marketing and communications efforts?
- Access to Capital and Contracts (1-5 points)
- Vision: How well does the initiative create pathways for startups to secure private capital and customer contracts that will help fuel their growth, particularly in underserved areas or for underrepresented founders?
- Impact: Does the initiative demonstrate clear pathways to funding opportunities, customer adoption, and contracts that can catalyze the scaling of businesses and increase economic activity within Orlando’s tech ecosystem?
- Vision: How well does the initiative create pathways for startups to secure private capital and customer contracts that will help fuel their growth, particularly in underserved areas or for underrepresented founders?
Total Score (out of 25):
[Sum of all category scores]
Scoring Scale:
1 = Very Poor / No Evidence
2 = Below Expectations / Needs Significant Improvement
3 = Meets Expectations / Satisfactory
4 = Above Expectations / Strong Proposal
5 = Exceptional / Exemplary Proposal
HOW WILL THE AWARD BE GRANTED?
Grant Payment
If deemed necessary to initiate the activity/project, a portion of the approved funding may be paid in advance as specified and validated in the grant application. Advance payment shall not exceed 50 percent of the total grant funding awarded. Subsequent to or in the absence of any advance payments, funding support shall reimburse costs already incurred and as payable upon successful milestone completion specified in the activity/project plan portion of the grant application or as determined by OTC staff in cases where awards are deemed appropriate by judges in the absence of predetermined milestones.
Grantees are required to compile a report with pictures, receipts, etc. OTC staff may inspect events on-site and throughout the planning duration, including as part of the milestone verification process.
Awardees will be provided with branding content to use during the event or program.
*If report isn’t submitted within 90 days from the completion of the event, awardee will be disqualified from ever applying to a City of Orlando grant.
Ready to Apply?
APPLICATION
All applications must be received by 11:59pm on Friday, March 14, 2025.
EXTENDED TO MONDAY, MARCH 17th AT 5PMEST.
Applications for the 2025 Orlando Technology Support Grant are NOW CLOSED.
Thank you to all who participated!
Check back for 2025 Winner Announcements and information for 2026.
Orlando Technology Support Grant: Celebrating Innovation and Community Impact
We are once again thrilled to support the partnership with the City of Orlando for the 2025 Orlando Technology Support Grant. This initiative strengthens Orlando’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by funding technology-focused programs that unite and support the Orlando tech ecosystem. With a total fund of $65,000, grants are awarded based on the merit of each application, empowering organizations that drive technological advancement, community engagement, and economic growth.
In 2024, four outstanding organizations were awarded funding: Indienomicon Foundation, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative, Tech Sassy Girlz, and Orlando Devs. Each of these organizations has had a profound impact on the Orlando tech community, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Indienomicon’s Jam Innovation Series brings together game developers, artists, and engineers to collaborate on rapid prototyping hackathons like Indie Galactic Space Jam, MeGa Health Jam, Armed Forces Jam, and All Hallows Jam. These events have been instrumental in bridging the gap between gaming and major industries such as space, healthcare, and defense, leading to the development of new startups, industry partnerships, and professional career growth.
Their events provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing participants to work with cutting-edge technology while receiving mentorship from industry professionals. By collaborating with organizations like Space Florida and the Orlando Science Center, they have expanded the reach of Orlando’s gaming and simulation industries, reinforcing the city’s status as a leader in emerging technology fields. Through their free monthly meetups and specialized game jams, Indienomicon ensures accessibility for all, fostering an inclusive and innovative tech community.
The Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI) launched the SPEAR Accelerator Program to help veteran-led tech startups scale their businesses and integrate into key industries. By focusing on Health Tech innovations such as AI in Healthcare, Neurotechnology, and Digital Health, the program helps veterans translate their military expertise into thriving entrepreneurial ventures.
VEI has already supported hundreds of veteran entrepreneurs, providing them with mentorship, structured business development training, and access to national industry networks. The SPEAR Accelerator, launched in May 2024, is expected to drive job creation and economic growth, positioning Orlando as a major hub for veteran-led innovation. With a culminating Demo Day event, these startups gain visibility, investor connections, and real-world opportunities to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life.
Tech Sassy Girlz (TSG) is addressing the gender gap in STEM by providing young girls, particularly those from underrepresented communities, with access to mentorship, coding education, and career development opportunities. Their programs, including the Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference, introduce middle and high school girls to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through interactive workshops and mentorship from industry professionals.
To date, TSG has reached thousands of young women, many of whom have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in technology. By focusing on Title I schools, they are actively increasing diversity in the tech industry, ensuring that Orlando’s future workforce is more inclusive, innovative, and prepared for the digital economy. Their initiatives provide internship placements, scholarships, and direct connections to tech companies, making a tangible difference in shaping the future of tech talent in Central Florida.
Orlando Devs’ Annual Hackathon has become a cornerstone event for the local developer community, bringing together engineers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to collaborate, solve challenges, and build innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of mentorship and inclusion, the hackathon has engaged first-time coders, seasoned developers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond the hackathon, Orlando Devs has built one of the largest and most active tech communities in the city, hosting monthly meetups, technical workshops, and networking events that help connect job seekers with hiring companies. Their efforts have not only helped grow the local tech workforce but have also positioned Orlando as an attractive destination for tech talent. By supporting developers at all skill levels, Orlando Devs is fueling the city’s reputation as a thriving tech hub.
The Orlando Technology Support Grant is more than just funding—it’s an investment in the future of Orlando’s innovation ecosystem. By supporting initiatives like Indienomicon Foundation, VEI, Tech Sassy Girlz, and Orlando Devs, the city continues to grow as a national leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
Through these programs, new businesses are launched, underrepresented communities are empowered, and career opportunities are created—all contributing to Orlando’s economic and technological advancement. As these organizations continue to expand their reach, we look forward to seeing even greater innovation, diversity, and success in Orlando’s tech scene.
If your organization is driving innovation and making an impact in Orlando’s tech community, apply now for the 2025 Orlando Technology Support Grant and be part of the city’s thriving future!
QUESTIONS?
Any questions regarding the Orlando Technology Support Grant may be directed to Ashley McMullan
