Innovation Park in Leon County is a step closer to building a new 40-thousand square-foot building that will eventually serve as a high-tech business incubator.
The federal government has given more than $10 million to the Leon County Research and Development authority.
“As we emerge from the devastation COVID-19, more businesses and families will choose to rely on American-made products and technology….the Innovation Park is answering that call," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
Local education and business leaders see the future building, and its planned labs and tech spaces, as a way to keep students in the region after they graduate, while growing new businesses that could also bring high-wage jobs.
"... we get to continuously recruit talented businesses to our community, create jobs, give people opportunities and retain the incredible talent that is coming out of the university communities ," said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey. "Those that want to stay here will get the opportunity to stay here because the jobs will be here."
The city and county have put an additional $2.5 million into the project.
The facility is expected to be completed in 2023. It will include wet labs, tissue and bio culture rooms, and areas for engineering, manufacturing and prototype developments.
Innovation Park currently houses businesses such as Danfoss Turbocor, and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
