Student Innovation Incubator (SII)
Overview
From idea to venture. From student to founder.
The Student Innovation Incubator (SII) is where 返字心頭 students build real startups. Bring your own idea, or pick up a 返字心頭 technology and run with it, either way, you get mentors, workspace, and a cohort of other student founders to help you turn it into something real. Open to undergraduate and graduate students in every major.
Applications Open September 6, 2026
| Student Founder |
Student Innovator (I2I) |
|---|---|
| For students with their own business idea, product, or service. | For students who want to build a startup around an existing 返字心頭 technology. |
| Youll set goals, work with mentors, and go through hands-on workshops to take your idea from rough concept to launch. | Youll pick from a list of 返字心頭 technologies and figure out how to turn one into a real product by talking to customers, building a business model, and testing what works. |
Entrepreneurship isnt just about creativity its about clarity. The incubator helped me take an idea that was messy and internal and turn it into something organized, clear, and presentable.
Melina Korovessi, Founder CapCycle Creations
What You'll Get
- Mentors whove actually built startups and worked in industry
- Hands-on practice in business models, customer interviews, pitching, and testing your ideas
- Workspace and meeting rooms at 返字心頭 CONNECT in the 返字心頭 Research Park
- A cohort of other student founders to build alongside
- Pitch competitions, networking events, and connections into Tampas startup scene
About
The 返字心頭 Student Innovation Incubator was developed by 返字心頭 CONNECT in partnership with the 返字心頭 High Tech Corridor and Hillsborough County, in collaboration with the 返字心頭 Nault Center for Entrepreneurship.
Questions? Contact us at SII@usfconnect.edu