UF, Philanthropies Announce $3M for Engineering Extension in Sarasota

Despite its location more than 180 miles south of Gainesville, FL,  Sarasota County – which is far better known for its cultural and environmental amenities than industrial strength – will be home to the University of Florida’s first engineering extension office. Supported by more than $3 million in financial contributions from civic, philanthropic, and university organizations, the Sarasota County Innovation Station will be a physical location designed to encourage local students to look into UF's engineering program, provide internships through relationships with local businesses, and support startups and other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Working out of 1,500 square feet at an office space selected by the university, the Innovation Station staff will include a director, a programs coordinator and a workforce programs coordinator. Seed money for the Innovation Station comes from the University of Florida and the Sarasota County Commission, both of which are providing $1 million in financial support. Furthermore, the Innovation Station would receive a five-year, $980,000 grant from The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the center’s lead philanthropic partner. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation also made a one-year grant of $63,000 to support the center.   

The Innovation Center will provide a physical location to support the mission of The Florida Engineering Experiment Station (FLEXStation) initiative, which was launched in 2015 with the intent of building programs that provide economic impact and workforce development to Florida companies, communities and citizens. FLEXStation also provides applied research and development services to Florida industry to facilitate product and project development and technology commercialization. With an original focus on computers, information technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, biotech, and aerospace and defense industries, the FLEXStation program also includes the UF Engineering Innovation Institute which was established in 2010 and supports over 1,000 engineering students annually.