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Optics & Photonics

Located at the center of the Florida High-Tech Corridor, Central Florida’s Polk County offers established and emerging businesses easy access to research universities specializing in laser, optics and photonics technologies. University talent and a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs in a region supporting 21,000 technology companies, which employ more than 268,000 persons, await your company in Polk County.

  • The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Center for Research and Education in Optics, Photonics and Lasers in nearby Orlando is recognized as among the best independent optics and photonics departments in the U.S.
  • The new University of South Florida (USF) Polytechnic on Interstate 4 in Polk County will be a high-technology and research magnet to students and businesses interested in advancing technology-based industries.
  • Through the Florida High-Tech Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program, the University of Florida, along with its research partners, UCF and USF, has awarded $45 million in more than 800 research projects for 270 high-tech companies.
  • Central Florida today hosts 70 photonics companies employing 20,000 skilled technicians.
  • The University of South Florida Polytechnic has established two business incubators – Blue Sky East in Winter Haven and Blue Sky West in Lakeland – which serve business start-ups and and as an accelerator for more established businesses.
Testimonials
"The county's business environment and the ongoing support of the CFDC have helped us achieve [our] goal for many years and we look forward to our continued partnership."
- Charles Matthews, VP Operations, Florida's Natural Growers
"We initially targeted Polk County because of its obvious logistical advantages, but we were immediately impressed by the tremendous support and cooperation we received from the CFDC. A building can be built anywhere, but what makes a project...successful is a cooperative relationship with community leaders and the availability of a dedicated and reliable workforce."
- David Behm, VP, Aldi Inc.
"From a personal and business perspective, being new to Polk County has been a very positive experience. We are excited to live and work in Polk County and look forward to what the future has to bring in terms of growth and opportunities."
- Stacy Hackworth, Facility Manager, Ferguson
"We found the economic development atmosphere and support from Polk County to be a true asset in our decision to locate our new, state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland. When you are building the most advanced manufacturing facility your industry has ever seen, you have to have confidence in the long-term commitment of the community. We found just that in Polk County and are pleased to be one of their newest business neighbors and partners."
- Ross Dalton, President, GTECH Printing Corporation
"In 1962, State Farm opened its doors in Winter Haven, which is now our Florida headquarters. We are so proud to be a part of this great Polk County community. Polk County provides State Farm with a workforce that brings diverse talents and experiences to provide the quality service our State Farm customers expect and deserve."
- Jim Thompson, Sr. Vice President, State Farm Insurance