About IGNITE Tallahassee
IGNITE Tallahassee is a high-impact business incubator specializing in early-stage, new technology ventures. Our program is built to accelerate growth by providing business development expertise, access to funding sources, and a powerful network of community partners. Housed in a world-class facility, IGNITE is designed to support startups from day one and launch them toward long-term success.
IGNITE Staff
Alissa Martinez Costabile, MBA
Ignite Program Director
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
(850) 644-1528
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acostabile@fsu.edu
MBA, University of South Florida
BA, History, University of Florida
Alissa joined FSU as the program director for IGNITE, an economic development initiative initiative advancing high-tech ventures and translational research in Tallahassee. She manages the full lifecycle of incubator programming—from strategic planning and client engagement to performance metrics and community outreach—while serving as a key advocate for innovation-driven growth in Tallahassee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Prior to joining FSU, Alissa was assistant program director for the University of South Florida’s USF CONNECT program, overseeing the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and Student Innovation Incubator. Her leadership helped USF incubate approximately 75 companies annually and generate over 250 new jobs. Her contributions supported a statewide economic impact of $535 million, with one reporter calling USF’s incubation program the “crown jewel” of Tampa Bay. Alissa also led market expansion efforts as program manager at the AdventHealth Research Institute, a leading clinical research institution. Earlier in her career, she worked in corporate and tax law as a Florida Registered Paralegal at Owens Law Group, P.A.
Alissa earned her MBA from the University of South Florida and her BA from the University of Florida. She also holds graduate certificates in Project Management and Creativity & Innovation from USF. Her professional certifications include: Certified Entrepreneurship Center Manager (InBIA); WKI Certified Coach (Wendy Kennedy Institute); and Mentor Program Manager (WeLoveMentors).
Brad Minton, MBA
Ignite Laboratory Manager
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
(850) 645-5449
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bminton@fsu.edu
MBA, Nichols College
BSBA, BSITM, Nichols College
Brad joined FSU as the laboratory manager for IGNITE to oversee lab operations and safety at the IGNITE Tallahassee facility. He has over seven years of manufacturing experience with biotech and defense companies (General Dynamics Land Systems, Thermofischer, Sanofi), and played a key role in managing projects, product development, and supervising teams. Brad also served as biosafety officer for the Florida manufacturing division at Thermofischer. He has expertise working with scientists to upscale medication and drug manufacturing ranging from feasibility stage to clinical trials to commercial drugs. Brad works with IGNITE clients to ensure feasibility and safety of their research and technologies. He focuses on providing the tools and resources necessary for client success while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high standards in laboratory operations.
Jon Mason
Ignite Communications and Marketing Manager
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
jtmason2@fsu.edu
BA, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Jon joined IGNITE as the communications and marketing manager, bringing over a decade of experience in strategic communication and digital engagement. Prior to joining IGNITE, he led social media strategy at the Florida Center for Reading Research, where he developed and executed content initiatives to support literacy research dissemination. He also served as Interim Director of Communication at the Innovative Research Dissemination Lab, where he managed a wide range of projects and marketing team focused on translating complex research into accessible, actionable messaging for diverse audiences.
In addition to his work in academia, Jon brings an entrepreneurial perspective to his role. He founded a startup, an experience that honed his skills in brand strategy, product marketing, and business development. Energized by the innovation and pace of the startup world, Jon remains passionate about applying that creative, results-driven mindset to mission-focused communication efforts at IGNITE.
Ally Nielander
Ignite Program Coordinator
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
a.nielander@fsu.edu
BA, Florida State University
Ally serves as the Program Coordinator for IGNITE FSU. In this role, she oversees the administrative and operational functions that support IGNITE’s mission to foster innovation and drive economic growth across Florida. Ally manages internal processes, client relations, and event coordination, ensuring that day-to-day operations align with long-term goals for IGNITE, the Tallahassee community, and the state at large. Prior to joining IGNITE, Ally served as Project Manager at Downtown Community Church, coordinated Projects between the Pastors and respective teams, led city wide outreach initiatives, coordinated volunteer teams, and and mentored young leaders through relational and hands-on development.
IGNITE Students