Central Florida Research Park

The Central Florida Research Park, adjacent to the main UCF campus, is a Universityrelated research park established as a result of legislation passed by the Florida Legislature in 1978. The Research Park is a cooperative effort between UCF, the Orange County Research and Development Authority, and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (which appoints the members of the Authority). The governing body of the Research Park is the Orange County Research and Development Authority.

The objectives of the Central Florida Research Park are in keeping with the legislative action that enabled its creation to encourage and promote the establishment of research and development activity combining the resources of institutions of higher learning, private sector enterprise involved in pure or applied research, and state or federal governmental agency research.

The ultimate goal of University-related research parks is to establish an academic/industrial community. The University and officials of the Central Florida Research Park believe that the potential for the establishment of close ties between the University and industry will create an environment conducive to the location of research-oriented industry in the Research Park. This activity will enrich and support the academic, teaching, and research programs of the University. The University, in turn, can provide the necessary expertise and human resources to enhance the research and development activities required and planned by Research Park residents.

The Central Florida Research Park consists of over 1,000 acres of land. Businesses desiring a university relationship can purchase or lease land in the Research Park on which to construct a facility or can lease space for office, office/lab, or light manufacturing activities.

Research Park tenants are involved with the University of Central Florida through sponsored research, using faculty as consultants, and using graduate and undergraduate students for intern programs and part-time employment. Research Park tenants can also contract with the University for use of the library, computer resources, and laboratory facilities. Cooperative projects range from technical research to developing business plans and employee training programs.