p u b l i s h e r ’s l et t e r
w e lc o m e
T
he Florida High Tech Corridor is an agent
for change, as you will see throughout this
magazine.
Updated this summer, florida.HIGH.TECH 2018
offers insight into the minds of scientists in high tech
industry, the development of commercially applicable
technology emerging from the laboratories of the
University of Central Florida, the University of South
Florida and the University of Florida, plus a look at
the lives of 12 people pushing boundaries around
the region.
New stories dive deeper into artificial intelligence
and how scientists are applying this technology to
numerous industries on the verge of a new Industrial
Revolution. As well, you’ll read about venture
capitalists’ experience with startups in the region
and what it means to be a woman in STEM. We are
also proud to feature a special tribute to the visionary
behind our organization, University of Central Florida
President Emeritus Dr. John Hitt.
And it is my special honor to welcome Dr. Hitt’s
successor, Dr. Dale Whittaker, as the newest co-
chair of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. He
took office on July 1 and has said among his top
three goals is “To go to the next level on partnerships”
in keeping with UCF’s commitment to The Corridor
and economic development throughout our region.
The dedication and contributions that I have seen
from around The Corridor make me proud to lead
this organization. I look forward to what the future
holds. Thank you for your support of our 23-county
region and please enjoy the updated edition of
florida.HIGH.TECH 2018 .
Sincerely,
Ed Schons
President, Florida High Tech Corridor Council
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