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 focused on growing high-technology ventures and translational research opportunities. She oversees incubator programming, client growth & services, and advocates for an innovative and entrepreneurial culture within Tallahassee. Prior to joining FSU, Alissa was assistant program director for the University of South Florida’s USF CONNECT program, which includes the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and Student Innovation Incubator. Her efforts elevated USF’s incubation program to incubate around 75 companies each year, create hundreds of jobs, and contribute to over $535M in economic impact for the state of Florida. Alissa also oversaw new market expansion efforts and process improvement projects as a program manager for the AdventHealth Research Institute, a preeminent clinical research institution. She previously worked in corporate and tax law as a Florida Registered Paralegal to the senior partner and his associate at Owens Law Group, P.A.
Alissa holds two USF graduate certificates in Project Management and Creativity & Innovation and is also a 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.
IGNITE Students