Florida Poly, Catapult Partnership Aims to Drive Innovation, Student Success

Florida Polytechnic University and Lakeland’s Catapult have partnered to enhance each group’s ability to shape innovation in Polk County.  

“Our partnership with Catapult represents a pivotal milestone in advancing economic development in Polk County and Central Florida. By bringing Florida Poly’s high-skill students, world-class faculty and top-tier rankings to the table, alongside Catapult’s innovative resources and entrepreneurial ecosystem, we are creating a dynamic collaboration that will be laser-focused on cutting-edge STEM education and entrepreneurship,” said Florida Poly President Dr. Devin Stephenson. 

Catapult President Christin Strawbridge added: “We are so excited to formalize this exciting partnership between Catapult and Florida Polytechnic University. This moment marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration that will shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Central Florida.” 

Florida Poly and Catapult, a place where budding entrepreneurs develop startup businesses, signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 31 to work together. The goal: to support STEM education. Florida Poly is the only state university in Florida devoted entirely to science, technology, engineering and math degrees. They seek to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. 

“This partnership will provide our students with direct access to Catapult’s impressive Makerspace and vibrant entrepreneurial community. Fostering hands-on start-up development and life-changing mentorship,” Stephenson said. “Additionally, our faculty will actively collaborate with Catapult startups and local businesses, offering expertise and technical solutions in essential areas, such as engineering, data science and tech development.”   

About Catapult

The Lakeland Economic Development Council started Catapult in 2014. Originally, it was located in the Bank of America building at Lime Street and South Florida Avenue. The goal: foster the growth of startups. 

Since then, Catapult has moved into its own building on Lake Mirror. It has become a vibrant hub that features three business incubators—Workspace, Makerspace and Kitchen. The 10,000-square-foot makerspace is designed for entrepreneurs to start and scale manufacturing and engineering companies. 

Strawbridge said Catapult’s mission has been “to foster an environment for founders to build scalable business, helping them turn ideas into companies that contribute to the local economy. Through this partnership, we are opening new doors for Florida Poly students and faculty, offering them access to our Makerspace, entrepreneurial community and mentorship opportunities. In turn, Florida Poly brings its wealth of technical expertise, research capabilities and forward-thinking talent to this startup ecosystem.” 

She said the partnership is about more than sharing resources. “It’s about fostering a culture of innovation. Students will apply their technical skills to real-world challenges. Faculty will contribute expertise to startups, and together, we will strengthen Lakeland’s position as a hub for innovation.” 

Benefits of Florida Poly Catapult Partnership

In a Florida Poly press release, Director of Communications Lydia Guzman said key elements beyond access to the Makerspace include:  

• “Florida Poly students can collaborate with Catapult’s entrepreneurial community, participate in pitch nights, engage in mentorship relationships and gain firsthand experience with start-up development. 
• “Faculty will advise students and collaborate with Catapult startups and local businesses, offering technical solutions and research support in areas like engineering, data science and tech development. 
• Florida Poly will provide resources, including its 3D print farm and technical expertise, to help Catapult startups accelerate product development while offering students valuable hands-on experience in engineering and design.” 

Driving Innovation

The partnership also has the potential to benefit the Central Florida Innovation District (CFID), an area bordering Florida Poly. The CFID provides the county an opportunity to further diversify its economy, building upon the cutting-edge technology being developed at the university.  

Utitilizing Catapult gives students opportunities to test and verify their innovations and build case points for commercialization. Future commercialization that could launch from the Central Florida Innovation District. In an area that encompasses roughly 3,000 acres out of 2,000 square miles of Polk, a abundance of green space for industrial, commercial and retail development.