Tampa Bay Regional Consortium

Tampa Bay Regional Consortium

The Tampa Bay Regional Consortium is working to drive inclusive development, innovation, and prosperity across the Tampa Bay region. We believe that, through collective action, strategic partnerships and open collaboration, Tampa Bay can accelerate its growth in key technology sectors to create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and advances the region as a hub of opportunity and excellence.

Tampa Bay is the prime region in the United States with the foremost potential to become a self-sustaining, globally competitive technology and innovation hub.

Quoted from the Tampa Bay Regional Tech Hub Consortium grant submission

The Consortium was formed in response to the EDA’s Tech Hubs Program in 2023 and remains committed to strengthening ties between government, higher education, industry, economic development entities, community organizations, and others to generate collective impact and positive change for our community. 

Our Members 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the EDA’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program?

The aims to identify regions with existing potential, where an EDA investment can catalyze self-sustaining, globally-competitive regions over the next decade, with each focused on a key technology focus area.

Phase 1 of the program to designate as Tech Hubs and provided 21 Strategy Development Grants 

In Phase 2 Designated Tech Hubs will have the opportunity to apply for funding for implementation projects.

The EDA hopes to continue the program in future rounds.

How do we define the “Tampa Bay Region”?

We describe the Tampa Bay Region to include not only the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg MSA, but beyond to the neighboring counties to the North, East, and South, as well as organizations in other regions of the state and nation that form connections to the Tampa Bay region.

What kind of organizations are members?

The consortium is made up of institutions of higher education, workforce organizations, local and state governments, economic development organizations, financial institutions, healthcare institutions, industry members, federal laboratories, transportation planning organizations, and many other organizations with a focus on bettering our region.  

How do I learn more about the consortium?

To learn more and discuss how your organization might get involved, contact the Tampa Bay Regional Consortium here.

Upcoming Community Events

To submit an event to the calendar, please click

News Highlights

USF leads consortium effort to designate Tampa Bay a national tech hub in cybersecurity
The University of South Florida is leading an expansive effort to help Tampa Bay secure the federal designation of Cybersecurity and Technology Innovation Hub — a prolific indicator of the region’s potential for rapid technology-led economic growth.

Tampa Bay Wave and USF to launch HealthTech|X Accelerator in 2024
Tampa Bay Wave, Florida's premier non-profit accelerator for high-growth startups, is proud to announce its strategic collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF), powered by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to introduce the HealthTech|X Accelerator program.


Tampa Bay's mission to become a global tech hot spot had made great strides of late. One notable advantage, says one executive, comes from a talent pool without an "extensive entitlement" mindset.

'State of the Region’ researchers unveil workforce and affordability trends in the Tampa Bay region
Once again, new residents are flocking to the Tampa Bay area. On the flip side, family budgets are squeezed, with nearly 57 cents of every dollar going toward housing and transportation. That financial strain reveals an alarming narrative — full-time work is not enough to make ends meet.

USF ranks among the top 15 public universities in new patents
For the 11th consecutive year, the University of South Florida is one of the top 15 American public research universities for producing new U.S. utility patents, according to a new ranking released today by the National Academy of Inventors.

USF to tackle environmental challenges through new initiative with Tampa Bay Wave and the St. Petersburg Innovation District
USF continues to strengthen its collaboration with Tampa Bay Wave and the St. Petersburg Innovation District through the creation of a new program that addresses some of the nation’s most pressing environmental concerns.

Key Reports Repository

Below is a collection of key reports and data about our region and beyond. This information focuses on economic indicators, workforce, and sector-specific data and provides valuable context for regional storytelling and casemaking. Reports are organized by Statewide, Regional, County/Locality, and Sector focus.

Statewide Reports

  • – The Florida Council of 100 – Jun 2024
    Data-driven framework for the new, globally attractive Florida.

  • – Florida Chamber of Commerce – Jun 2024 
    Multifaceted analysis of key factors influencing the attraction and development talent in Florida

  • - Florida Chamber Foundation – March 2024
    Job Numbers and economic data including metrics from the Florida Scorecard
  • - Florida Insight - Florida Commerce- 2024
    Economic employment data and projections
  • – Florida SBDC - 2022
    Data dashboard on the small business environment in Florida
  • - CareerSource Florida – Jul 2020 – Jun 2024
    Plan for a market-driven approach to talent development
  • - Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Sep 2018
    Key targets, strategies, & initial recommendations
  • - Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Sep 2018
    Highlights trade, logistics, export-oriented manufacturing & rural economic development

  • Reports ranging from PK-12 schools, staff/teachers, Florida Colleges, the State University System, and workforce development
  • – U.S. EDA
    Data-driven estimation of capacity, including strengths and potential areas for growth or maturation across five capacity areas across the U.S.

Regional Reports


  • Data-driven research analysis of regional priorities
    • – Measures region’s performance against 19 benchmark communities across the region
  • - Tampa Bay Business Journal - 2024
    Highlights on Tampa Bay Market growth
  • - USF Muma College of Business
    Companion piece to Regional Competitiveness Report comparing our region to top markets, with special focus on affordability and talent
  •  
    Data-driven research analysis and resources on regional priorities
    • – 2022 - Analysis of economic and demographic key indicators of the region
    • – Nov 2022-  Strategies for coordinated regional preparation and adaptation
  •    
    Includes Demographics, Economic Trends, Market Reports, Industry Overviews, and Workforce Data
  • – WalletHub – 2024 
    Tampa ranked #2 overall best place to start a business against 100 U.S cities based on 19 key metrics
  • – WalletHub – 2024     
    Tampa ranked #4 overall best place to start a career against over 180 U.S. cities based on 26 key metrics
  • – WalletHub – 2023   
    Tampa ranked #4 overall best cities for veterans to live against 100 U.S cities based on 19 key metrics
  • – Tampa Bay Water – 2023 Update
    Strategic goals, objectives, and key performance indicators to provide clean, safe water to the region
  • – CareerSource Tampa Bay – Jun 2021 
    Snapshot of in-demand jobs that present opportunities to aid workforce development efforts

County/Locality Specific Reports

  • - City of Tampa - Aug 2024
    Economic environment data of the City of Tampa and region through lenses such as key indicators, jobs, and small business
  • – St. Petersburg EDC - 2024     
    Data and figures on St Petersburg economic indicators
  •        
    Includes county activity, workforce, and talent attraction
  •    
    Includes economic, demographic, target industry, and workforce
  • – Hillsborough County – 2023 Economic, education, and demographic conditions
  • – Florida Trend   
    Regional profiles of communities in Florida
    • – Nov 2023 – Economic profile of the region
    • – Aug 2022 – Economic profile of the region
  •    
    Includes studies of Uptown area
  • - University Area Community Development Corporation     
    Areas of strength and improvement within the University area community

Sector Specific Reports

  • - St. Pete Innovation District – Jan 2024 
    Network of entrepreneur support organizations
  • – Florida Commerce – 2023 
    State of manufacturing in Florida with summaries and analysis of strengths, areas of opportunity, and challenges
  • – CareerSource Tampa Bay 
    Snapshots of 6 industries in Hillsborough county: Finance & Professional Services; Health Care-Life Science; Hospitality, Retail and Tourism; Information Technology; Manufacturing-Logistics; Transportation-Trade
  •                
    Includes tourism economic impact and statistics
  •      
    Includes data, analysis, and recommendations about cybersecurity

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