Florida State University (FSU) marked the grand opening of IGNITE Tallahassee during its third annual Discovery Days, introducing a new center aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, research, and technology development in the region.
IGNITE Tallahassee provides shared laboratories, private offices, and collaborative spaces to support early-stage ventures and partnerships across sectors. The initiative is part of FSU’s investment in the local innovation infrastructure, aiming to help researchers and startup businesses access resources needed for growth.
“IGNITE Tallahassee is a place where entrepreneurs and researchers can genuinely see themselves as part of something transformative,” said Alissa Martinez Costabile, program director for IGNITE Tallahassee. “It’s exciting to watch the community come together, explore the space and connect with the innovators shaping the future right here in Tallahassee.”
The opening event brought together university leaders, local officials, entrepreneurs, and community members. Through panel discussions and interactive experiences, attendees learned about the role of IGNITE Tallahassee in strengthening the city’s reputation as a center for technology and entrepreneurship.
“IGNITE Tallahassee stands as more than a building, it is a beacon for innovation, entrepreneurship and shared success,” said Darryl Jones, deputy director of the Office of Economic Vitality for Minority, Women and Small Business Programs. “It represents what happens when public investment, private ingenuity and community pride converge to create opportunities for generations to come.”
A panel moderated by Costabile included Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, DOMI Station Executive Director Kara Holbert, and Small Business Development Center at FAMU Regional Director Tangela Lofton. The discussion focused on how partnerships between state and local organizations are shaping Florida’s role in advancing new technologies and businesses.
“We all have a role to play, and we’re at this dynamic time where it’s all coming together, and the future is really bright for Tallahassee and Leon County moving forward,” said Dailey. “It’s about building community, and we all have a role to play in that community.”
Another panel, moderated by Valerie Landrio McDevitt, Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, featured Rachel Ferm of Florida Funders, Kathy Chiu of DeepWork Capital, and Doug Tatum of Newport LLC. The panelists discussed venture capital and angel funding in Florida, noting the increasing interest from investors in the state’s growing technology sector. They also highlighted the importance of storytelling, measurable progress, and strong teams for early-stage companies seeking investment.
“If you ask a lot of students, many will say, ‘I still have no idea what I want to do after college,’” said Anthony Grosso, a finance major at the FSU College of Business. “Having a resource like this is incredibly valuable. It gives you the chance to pick the brains of people who are already in the field, start narrowing down your options, and even discover new paths you hadn’t considered. It’s a great way to learn more and maybe even find the thing you’re truly called to do.”
The event also included a presentation by FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor James Frederich, who discussed the development of Taxol, a cancer treatment synthesized by FSU chemist Robert Holton. Frederich highlighted the impact of FSU researchers on global health through scientific innovation.
Robert Wandell, director for engineering innovation at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, spoke about the college’s efforts to address global challenges and promote technology commercialization and sustainable engineering.
Attendees toured the IGNITE Tallahassee facility, viewing resources available to startups and art donated by John A. O’Connor, professor emeritus at the University of Florida.
“I didn’t realize there was such an extensive network of people working to make innovation happen right here in Tallahassee,” said Jovey Osagie, an FSU graduate in computer science. “Looking back as an alum and seeing that there are already connections to tap into — and people ready to invest in me — has opened my eyes to new opportunities. It’s made the path ahead much clearer. This gives me opportunity, and innovation needs opportunity.”
More information about IGNITE Tallahassee is available at research.fsu.edu/ignite-tallahassee.
