Artist's rendering of UF Innovation Hub.

GAINESVILLE, FL – The University of Florida has nabbed $8.2 million from the federal Economic Development Administration to being construction of its Florida Innovation Hub. The new facility is aimed at helping create more startups to commercialize UF research.

The grant is one of the largest ever made by the EDA’s Atlanta office.

The 45,000 square foot Hub will host UF’s Office of Technology Licensing and UF Tech Connect, the university’s commercialization offices.

It will also will provide technology start-up companies connected with the university with office space, laboratories, conference rooms and other capabilities.

“The hub will serve as a catalyst to get innovation from university laboratories into the marketplace, where it can have an impact on the world while creating jobs in Florida,” said UF President Bernie Machen, who noted that the university is contributing an additional $5 million in support.

The Hub is set to open in 2011.

UF currently averages about 10 new technology-based spin-outs a year.

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• Draper Laboratory expanding into Tampa Bay
• Florida’s micro and nanotechnology conference part of state’s technology boom
• VT has big hopes for research growth

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Tags: incubator, Innovation Hub grant, Tech Transfer, University of Florida