Media Contacts:

Florida High Tech Corridor
Kacie Escobar, Curley & Pynn
kescobar@thestrategicfirm.com
941.932.7081

Cenfluence
Heather Wilson, PRISMATIC
heather@helloprismatic.com
407.895.0029

Orange County Government
Despina McLaughlin
despina.mclaughlin@ocfl.net
407.836.5964

The Florida High Tech Corridor and Orange County Government Launch “Cenfluence” Brand to Drive Industry Diversification Initiative

Orange County Government Florida High Tech Corridor Logo

Partners Will Leverage Regional Strengths and Global Network to Expand Economic Opportunities Across Seven Counties

Orange County, Fla. – A “clustering” initiative launched just eight months ago by the Florida High Tech Corridor (aka The Corridor) and Orange County Government will strengthen Central Florida’s economy and spur job creation beyond hospitality and tourism. The initiative has already signed nearly 50 companies in four technology industry clusters and will move forward under a new brand: Cenfluence.

Combining “confluence” and “Central Florida,” the Cenfluence name and associated brand embodies a mission to unite cluster members and propel them beyond local borders to energize national and international partnerships and commerce.

Formerly known as the Orange County Cluster Initiative, Cenfluence was established in February 2021 as one element of the County’s $2 million effort to stimulate and diversify the local economy amid COVID-19 impacts.

In addition to the 50 businesses that have joined, more than 160 companies have been identified as prospective members of the four Cenfluence clusters:

  • Energy & Environmental Sciences
  • Gaming, Entertainment & eSports
  • Life Sciences
  • Learning Sciences & Human Performance

“Partnering with Orange County has granted us a tremendous opportunity to harness the energy of four emerging clusters and build an unparalleled ecosystem where industry, academia and support organizations converge,” said Corridor CEO Paul Sohl. “Cenfluence represents a spirit of collaboration that has driven The Corridor’s work for 25 years and we can’t wait to experience how the ripple effects of its growth will impact our region, including Central Florida and beyond.”

Additional funding approved by the Board of County Commissioners, will enable Cenfluence to transition from the initial stages of information gathering to focus on growth and delivery of member services through 2022 and beyond. It also allows the team to expand outreach, leaning on The Corridor’s regional perspective to incorporate members from other counties, including Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, Lake, Polk and Osceola.

According to a study of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative, members of a formal cluster structure benefit from revenue gains, increased integration with industry supply chains, support for technology development and commercialization, and collaboration activities with other members and stakeholders. Cenfluence joins only 20 other cluster-like organizations applying this proven method in the U.S. and Canada, positioning the region as an innovator internationally.

“I am extremely proud of the Cenfluence team and their hard work to put Orange County on the map as a premier destination for technology research and innovation,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “This initiative addresses a critical need to complement our robust tourism industry and further diversify the region’s economy so we can better serve our business community and residents.”

The initiative is spearheaded by Jack Henkel, The Corridor’s program director for industry and regional diversification, and Dr. Amy Beaird, senior cluster manager, in partnership with Orange County’s economic development team. Cenfluence also benefits from the guidance of Mark Spinoglio, a world‐renowned consultant with expertise in competitive industry cluster formation, and PRISMATIC, an Orlando-area branding and marketing agency, and visionary, behind the Cenfluence brand.

“The launch of Cenfluence signifies an awakening moment for our tech business community,” said Henkel. “ As a Florida native and member of the innovation community for 20 years, it’s amazing to witness the synergy and passion of our local businesses and stakeholders culminate in this meaningful step toward a stronger regional economy.”

Businesses can learn more and sign up for cluster membership at Cenfluence.com. For an initial period, there is no membership fee required thanks to generous funding provided by Orange County Government.

For the latest updates and information about industry diversification and innovation in Central Florida, follow Cenfluence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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