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The City of Orlando and the Orlando Economic Partnership (Facebook | Website) have announced eight recipients of the 2026 Orlando Tech Grant, a $65,000 program meant to “strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.” The grants support community-led programs and organizations that connect entrepreneurs, talent, and industry leaders, helping Orlando reach its Orlando 2045 Vision of becoming a top 10 global innovation hub.
The City of Orlando funds the program, and the Orlando Economic Partnership administers it. It invests in groups that build the tech community, not in individual companies. Four organizations received Capability Catalyst Grants, which support larger initiatives that build Orlando’s innovation capacity; Florida Photonics Cluster, Building Our Tech, and Spargo Space each received $15,000. Defense Operations & Engineering Solutions received $9,000.
Four others received Ignite Grants, which support grassroots ecosystem building, community engagement, and innovation programming; UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, The Greatest Investment Foundation, and the Florida Business Incubation Association each received $3,000. E5 Enclave received $2,000.
An independent panel of four judges scored each eligible application. Proposals had to align with at least one program priority: strengthening the innovation community, advancing regional technology capabilities, building the tech talent pipeline, helping Orlando-based tech employers stay and grow, or increasing participation among underserved and undercapitalized communities.
