UCF Ranks No. 1 Business Incubator in Florida by Time Magazine

After helping generate thousands of jobs, significant investment in companies and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact in Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Program has earned national recognition as one of the country's top business incubators.

Yesterday, Time magazine released its inaugural listing of America's Best Incubators and Accelerators 2026, spotlighting programs that assist early-stage companies to grow, scale and create lasting economic impact.

The UCF Business Incubation Program ranks No. 17 out of 80 entities nationally - and as the No. 1 business incubator in Florida. It is also the highest-ranked program focused entirely on traditional business incubation.

"We're honored that Time magazine has recognized what our region has known for years: when universities, industry and community partners work together, extraordinary companies can be built." - Rafael Caamano, UCF Business Incubation Program interim director

"This recognition reflects more than the work of our team; it reflects the success of every entrepreneur, mentor, community partner, investor and local government that has helped build Central Florida's innovation ecosystem over the past 27 years," says Rafael Caamano, interim director of UCF Innovation Districts and the UCF Business Incubator. "We're honored that Time magazine has recognized what our region has known for years: when universities, industry and community partners work together, extraordinary companies can be built."

The recognition showcases the success of the companies served. In 2025, more than 100 client companies of the UCF Business Incubation Program collectively employed a workforce of more than 600 full- and part-time professionals, secured more than $78 million in contracts and attracted nearly $35 million in investment.

"Behind every successful innovation are talented people with the vision, expertise and determination to translate complex ideas into value for society," says Winston Schoenfeld, UCF's vice president for research and innovation. "This recognition celebrates the power of partnerships among academia, industry professionals and entrepreneurs who together build an ecosystem that transforms discovery into real-world solutions driving economic growth and shaping the future."

How the Ranking Was Determined

According to Statsia, the global research platform that provided the research for Time's ranking, those selected were based on track record, peer recommendations and measurable founder outcomes.

The evaluation included:

• Alumni evaluations, based on surveys of companies that graduated from the program over the past five years.
• Client success, measured through the performance and growth of participating companies.
• Expert recommendations from startup investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The ranking considers both incubators and accelerators, which offer short (often 3-6 months), cohort-based programming and are often focused on particular industries or demographics. One example is Plug and Play - which ranks No. 34 nationally on the list - a global startup accelerator based in California that has partnered with UCF for an Orlando office.

"We love the UCF Business Incubation Program and how instrumental the program has been in our success." - Lizbeth Walker, CEO of Qualifize and UCF Business Incubator client

A traditional incubation program offers a more robust range of services over an extended period of time, allowing companies to gain the foundation they need for success.

"The relationships we've built and partnerships through the program, have positioned us to serve our commercial and government clients on a different level of excellence and ingenuity due in part to the standards set at our UCF Incubator," says Lizbeth Walker, CEO of Qualifize, an operational intelligence company and UCF Business Incubator client.

More than half of the programs ranked ahead of the UCF Business Incubation Program were accelerators. Other programs offer a limited incubation program, combined with an accelerator.

"The recognition further reinforces Central Florida's emergence as one of America's leading regions for innovation, technology commercialization and entrepreneurial growth," Caamano says.

"We are genuinely proud to be part of this journey and to witness the continued growth and success that led to this achievement," says Aluska Richardson, CEO/president of Aurora InfoTech, an IT and cybersecurity support company and UCF Business Incubator client. "Moments like this are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision behind everything you do, and we are honored to be included along the way."

From Incubation to National Recognition

The program's impact is also reflected in the success of the companies it supports. Two current UCF Business Incubation Program clients - advanced-materials startup Soarce and energy-technology company Capacitech - are led by UCF engineering and business Knights who were recognized on Forbes' 2026 30 Under 30 list.

Capacitech Energy CEO Joe Sleppy '18 develops modular supercapacitor systems to improve power reliability in data centers and microgrids, while Soarce co-founders Matthew Jaeger '22, Patrick Michel, Mason Mincey '23 and Derek Saltzman '23 transform hemp, seaweed and grass into high-strength nanomaterials.

This national recognition paired with the new Time magazine ranking highlights how UCF's entrepreneurial ecosystem is helping turn promising ideas into companies that develop solutions with potential global impact.

Powered by Partnership

Operating across seven sites, the UCF Business Incubation Program empowers business owners through support from Orange County Government, the City of Orlando, Seminole County Government, the City of Kissimmee, Osceola County Government, Lake County Government and the City of Eustis.

This Time magazine recognition not only signals UCF's strength in fostering economic development, but how collaboration facilities collective impact.

Here the UCF Business Incubator partners share the importance of this honor.

Mike Bishop, director of economic development, City of Eustis: "A healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem gives local business owners the support, connections and confidence they need to turn good ideas into lasting companies. The UCF Business Incubation Program is an important part of that ecosystem in Eustis, and this national recognition affirms the value it brings to our businesses and community."

David Rodriguez, economic development director, City of Kissimmee: "The UCF Incubator in Kissimmee is an important partner in our efforts to diversify and strengthen our economy. By supporting entrepreneurs, innovation, and high-growth businesses, the Incubator helps create new opportunities and builds the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic local economy"

Meg Brew, director, Lake County Economic Development: "Our business incubator is an incredible resource for companies looking to establish themselves in Lake County. Together, we're creating new opportunities for local businesses and showcasing Lake County as a great place to grow and succeed."

Jerry Demings, mayor, Orange County: "The UCF Business Incubation Program is an important partner in our efforts to diversify Orange County's economy and support entrepreneurs as they grow successful businesses and create jobs. We're proud of our partnership and congratulate the program on this well-deserved recognition."

Buddy Dyer, mayor, City of Orlando: "One of our city's key priorities has long been to ensure we are providing opportunities and forging strategic partnerships that elevate our city's ability to foster a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, where entrepreneurs can not only start a new business, but are able to succeed long-term. The UCF Business Incubation Program's success is undeniable, with the ideas and successes of entrepreneurs who have gone through this program putting Orlando on the map as one of the nation's leaders in advanced technology and innovation. We as a city are proud to be a partner of the UCF Incubator for nearly 20 years, and congratulate them on this incredibly well-earned recognition."

Commissioner Brandon Arrington, chairman of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners: "UCF's Business Incubation Program is working to build the next generation of businesses in Central Florida while creating new opportunities for our workforce to grow alongside them. This recognition is a testament to what happens when education, entrepreneurship, and economic development come together. In Osceola County, we're focused on building a strong classroom-to-boardroom pipeline, and our partnership with UCF is an invaluable part of those efforts. By helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into growing companies, we're creating jobs today and building the talent that will drive our economy forward tomorrow."

Andria Herr, chairman, Seminole County: "Seminole County has long recognized that supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is an investment in our local economy. Our partnership with the UCF Business Incubation Program connects businesses with the resources and expertise they need to grow and succeed right here in our community. This national recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to be part of the program's continued success."

More Topics