Florida State University is expanding its impact with the launch of IGNITE Tallahassee - a 40,000-square-foot startup incubator located in Innovation Park.
In partnership with the Leon County Research and Development Authority, FSU actively supports deep-tech ventures with the infrastructure, expertise, and programming needed to turn bold ideas into scalable businesses.
"IGNITE is a valuable asset that will drive opportunities, build connections and ultimately facilitate job creation throughout the North Florida region," said Alissa Costabile, IGNITE Program Director. "Florida's success hinges on how well universities, businesses, and government work together to turn research into opportunity. IGNITE exemplifies how we can all collaborate to support economic development in our region."
Historically, deep-tech startups in North Florida lacked the local support necessary to grow - often relocating to other parts of the state or beyond. This pattern has contributed to brain drain, fewer job opportunities, and reduced regional competitiveness. IGNITE fills that gap, enabling startups to scale locally, retain talent, and strengthen the region's economy.
IGNITE supports founders through tailored entrepreneurial services, funding strategy, mentorship, and a robust network of partners. Programming includes targeted workshops and seminars on SBIR/STTR proposal writing, intellectual property strategy, and startup growth. Collaborations with TiE Tampa Bay, local business leaders, and academic researchers help extend the impact across the broader North Florida community.
The facility itself features more than 30 labs - both private and shared - alongside over 20 private offices, a dozen meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation. Shared lab access and high-end equipment allow startups to begin research immediately, avoiding costly infrastructure buildouts and accelerating their path to market.
By connecting entrepreneurs to a vibrant network of experts, institutions, and technical resources, IGNITE is creating the conditions for breakthrough innovation.
"The opportunity IGNITE provides for startups to scale-while continuing research and development-without leaving the area is transformative for Tallahassee," Costabile said.
This work is made possible in part through support from the National Science Foundation's Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program, which helps universities more effectively translate research into real-world applications that benefit the economy and society. IGNITE plays a key role in advancing that mission in the Tallahassee region.
Situated within a world-class research ecosystem - from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory to the Center for Advanced Power Systems and the High-Performance Materials Institute - IGNITE affords startups access to the kind of facilities where breakthroughs in energy, materials, and advanced technologies happen. Coupled with assets like the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion and partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State College, and industry leader Danfoss, entrepreneurs tap into expertise, talent, and collaborations that turn bold ideas into market-ready innovations.
Among IGNITE's first clients are three science-driven ventures developing high-impact technologies: Piersica is advancing next-generation batteries with greater capacity and faster charging; VSURGIC is transforming surgical care through a secure, real-time video platform for operating rooms; and QuarryBio is creating a rapid, bedside diagnostic to detect gastrointestinal damage-aimed at reducing false positives and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
These ventures exemplify IGNITE's mission to ensure bold ideas don't stall in the lab but instead evolve into real-world solutions that benefit people and communities.
"IGNITE has been foundational to our growth-providing the specialized lab space, resources, and supportive community we need to push boundaries in next-generation energy storage. It's enabled us to accelerate our technology and grow our team, all while staying rooted in Tallahassee's expanding innovation ecosystem," said Claudiu Bucur, Piersica founder and CEO.
IGNITE will celebrate its Grand Opening during FSU's Discovery Days on Oct. 21, 2025 - meet the current incubator companies, hear from tech startup specialists, and learn about programs available to tech entrepreneurs in North Florida!
To learn more about IGNITE Tallahassee, please click here.
