phaseZERO: Cyber Florida’s Innovation Incubator is an ongoing initiative to support Florida-based researchers and emerging entrepreneurs in commercializing cybersecurity innovations, launching new businesses, and strengthening critical infrastructure. Modeled after the federal Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I programs, phaseZERO complements existing statewide efforts, such as the Florida High-Tech Corridor, I-Corps, and local incubators and accelerators. This program fills critical gaps in seed funding and provides mentorship to help entrepreneurs successfully commercialize their innovations.
phaseZERO focuses on guiding new entrepreneurs in building cybersecurity-centered businesses by providing mentorship, funding, and access to a network of state innovation resources. It supports Cyber Florida at USF’s legislative mission to foster research partnerships between businesses and universities, attract cybersecurity companies to Florida, and enable new cybersecurity ventures.
Each year, Cyber Florida at USF evaluates applications and awards a total of approximately $240,000 in seed funding to emerging Florida companies. Following the SBIR model, Cyber Florida at USF does not take equity or expect returns on these investments, allowing recipients to grow unencumbered. Successful applicants are selected through a three-stage process:
Stage 1: Applicants submit a completed application as well as a brief business plan (format adapted from SBIR) for technical and business evaluation by a Cyber Florida Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR).
Stage 2: Selected applicants pitch their plans to an evaluation panel. The next pitch event is expected to be done virtually.
Stage 3: The evaluation panel will select the awardees. Over the next few months, as the grant is paid out in installments, the EIR works with each recipient to establish the business, secure further funding, and initiate or prepare for technical operations. Funded companies are introduced to state innovation ecosystem partners to maximize resources and support.
Through this program, Cyber Florida at USF remains committed to fostering innovation and building a robust cybersecurity industry in Florida.
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