Orlando Tech Community Support Grant Program - Ignite Grants

Orlando Tech Community Support Grant Program - Ignite Grants is sponsored by City of Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership. This program offers grants for grassroots programs like meetups, mentorship circles, hackathons, and community events that strengthen Orlando's innovation community, advance regional technology capabilities, build the tech talent pipeline, support the retention of Orlando-based …

Orlando Tech Grant Program | Orlando Tech Community The Orlando Tech Grant Program 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.

The Orlando Tech Grant Program 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.

Proudly Announcing the winners of the 2025 Orlando Tech Grant Program Orlando Innovation League Unreal Engine Orlando Chapter Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Celebrating Innovation: Orlando Tech Grant Program Luncheon Honors Local Trailblazers On May 15th, 2025, we were proud to host the Orlando Tech Grant Program Luncheon at City Hall, where we gathered to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of this year’s grant recipients.

Surrounded by leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and civic innovation, the event welcomed Mayor Buddy Dyer , representatives from the City of Orlando , the 2025 grant winners , and their families to honor the transformative work shaping our local tech ecosystem.

The luncheon recognized six standout organizations— Indienomicon Foundation , Orlando Innovation League , Orlando Science Center , Tech Sassy Girlz , Unreal Engine Orlando Chapter , and Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship —each of whom has launched high-impact programs and events aimed at growing Orlando’s innovation economy, expanding opportunities, and engaging the next generation of tech talent.

A heartfelt thank you to EA (Electronic Arts) for their generous sponsorship of this celebration. EA’s unwavering commitment to Central Florida’s innovation community continues to play a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives, empowering diverse voices, and fueling Orlando’s rise as a national hub for tech and creativity.

Together, with support from our public and private partners, we look forward to the continued momentum and collaboration driving Orlando’s future in technology. Indienomicon has long been a creative force in Orlando’s innovation scene.

Their Jam Innovation Series —including Indie Galactic, MeGa Health Jam, Armed Forces Jam, and All Hallows Jam —brings together developers, designers, and engineers to collaborate on real-world challenges through rapid prototyping. These events have sparked startups, industry partnerships, and professional growth while connecting gaming with industries like healthcare, defense, and aerospace.

Their commitment to accessibility and collaboration is expanding Orlando’s national visibility in simulation and interactive technology. Through events like Startup Weekend Orlando , the Orlando Innovation League fosters early-stage entrepreneurship and community-driven innovation. Their programs provide aspiring founders with immersive startup experiences, mentorship, and exposure to investors—all in just 54 hours.

OIL’s work energizes Orlando’s startup ecosystem by lowering barriers to entry, growing local talent, and building a sustainable culture of innovation and experimentation. A cornerstone of STEM education in Central Florida, the Orlando Science Center continues to spark curiosity and innovation through hands-on programs and exhibits.

Their tech-focused initiatives, such as Maker Faire Orlando and STEM summer camps , provide real-world learning for thousands of students and families. By partnering with tech companies and local educators, they play a vital role in cultivating the next generation of engineers, developers, and innovators right here in Orlando.

Tech Sassy Girlz is closing the gender and opportunity gap in tech by delivering mentorship, coding education, and career exploration to girls in middle and high school—particularly from Title I schools. Their flagship Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference introduces students to real-world STEM careers through workshops and talks led by industry professionals.

Their commitment to accessibility and long-term impact is helping diversify the future of Orlando’s tech workforce. Dedicated to advancing immersive technologies in Central Florida, the Unreal Engine Orlando Chapter supports creatives working in real-time 3D, XR, and simulation.

Through meetups, training sessions, and demo showcases , the group has cultivated a thriving community of developers and artists who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Their work highlights Orlando’s leadership in AR/VR and digital twin technologies. Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship’s mission is to amplify the voices and visibility of women in tech and entrepreneurship in Orlando.

Through leadership programs, meetups, educational programming, and mentoring circles, they provide women with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead in tech-driven fields. Their inclusive approach is helping to reshape the regional innovation economy by making it more representative, resilient, and collaborative.

Visionary applicants who reflect diversity, creativity and drive of Orlando's Tech community Find out more about how you an support each of these efforts by reaching out to our CEO, Sheena Fowler Five key goals provide a framework for the program: Supercharge Orlando’s innovation network by forging deep connections between founders, startups, and industry pioneers, creating pathways for breakthrough opportunities and growth.

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. Power the next generation of innovators by developing a dynamic, diverse, future-ready workforce equipped with cutting-edge skills.

Amplify Orlando’s global presence as a tech powerhouse through bold storytelling, strategic positioning, and high-impact community engagement. 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.

Kathy Chiu, DeepWork Capital Haifa Maamar, Full Sail Univeristy Paul Sohl, Florida High Tech Corrridor Eric Ushkowitz, City of Orlando 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 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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

[Sum of all category scores] 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? 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.

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 Tech Grant Program are NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to all who participated! Check back for 2025 Winner Announcements and information for 2026. Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative Orlando Tech Grant Program: Celebrating Innovation and Community Impact We are once again thrilled to support the partnership with the City of Orlando for the 2025 Orlando Tech Grant Program .

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! Any questions regarding the Orlando Tech Grant Program may be directed to Ashley McMullan