IGNITE Tallahassee is a high-impact ecosystem dedicated to launching and scaling new technology ventures. Strategically located in Innovation Park and supported by Florida State University and key community partners, IGNITE offers startups access to state-of-the-art facilities, proven incubator expertise, and hands-on support — from expert mentorship and commercialization guidance to investor access and funding strategy.

IGNITE Tallahassee offers flexible memberships that extend beyond traditional resident options. Through the IGNITE Pass Program, members can access our resources, programming, and innovation ecosystem, without the need for dedicated on-site space.

Application Process

Our process involves five intentional steps, beginning with your application—either through an online submission or by contacting our program directly.

Before You Apply

• Admissions decisions are made at the sole discretion of the IGNITE Leadership Team and the IGNITE Vetting Committee.
• Applicants who are not accepted may reapply every six months or upon invitation from the IGNITE Leadership Team.
• Affiliation with FSU or an FSU technology license is NOT required to join the program.
• IGNITE is NOT a student incubator. Interested FSU students should contact the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship's Center for Student Engagement.

Program Eligibility Requirements

• Be registered to conduct business in Florida
• Pass a background check
• Demonstrate a clear alignment with FSU, IGNITE, and community partners
• Present a well-defined business model
• Offer technology innovation with propriety advantage central to the venture's business model
• Show high growth potential
  • Note: The program does not accept service-only labs, lifestyle companies, contract research organizations without a strong innovation focus, or SBIR factories lacking clear commercial intent.
• Be an early-stage venture in R&D or process development phase
  • Note: Bio-manufacturing companies and those seeking clinical trial sites are not a good fit for this program.

Your Commitment to IGNITE

Clients make the following commitments to gain admission:

• Provide economic impact data to the program periodically, as requested
  • Note: Growth is measured by metrics such as job creation, average salaries, outside funding, revenue growth, products launched, patents filed/awarded, program participation, and social/community impact. All data remains confidential and is reported in aggregate.
• Commit at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) to the venture
• Actively engage with advisory support to advance strategic priorities, as appropriate to the venture’s stage of development
• Participate in at least one IGNITE business program annually or attend three or more seminars each quarter
• Provide financial statements periodically, as requested by the program
• Commit to making meaningful progress toward graduation from the incubation program within an appropriate or reasonable timeframe
• Acknowledge IGNITE FSU as a key partner on the company’s main website