Innovation is no longer a future aspiration for Polk County – it is happening now. At the heart of this momentum is the Central Florida Innovation District (CFID), a 3,000-acre hub where research, technology and talent converge to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.
From autonomous transportation to next-generation flavors science, CFID is shaping industries that touch everyday life. In April 2025, IFF opened its Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University, Florida’s only public university dedicated to STEM degrees. Using advanced technologies, the center is developing innovations in foods and beverage flavoring, fragrances, body care and related consumer products – building on Polk County’s agricultural legacy.
SunTrax Air & Ground test and verification facility further cements Polk County’s role as a national leader in transportation innovation. Developed by the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, SunTrax serves as the state headquarters for Advanced Air Mobility research, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With dedicated airspace, intelligent transportation systems and collaborative research facilities, SunTrax accelerates testing, workforce training and commercialization for next-generation mobility.
The economic impact of this innovation ecosystem is significant. A recent study by economist Rick Harper estimates that Florida Poly generates $952 million annually in Florida’s economy. Notably, 85% of that impact stems from alumni’s earning power. While the average Florida job paid about $48,579 in 2025, positions most closely aligned with Florida Poly degree averaged $90,235 statewide – demonstrating how advanced education translates directly into higher-wage jobs.
Momentum continues to be built. In December 2025, Florida Poly partnered with The Skyway Organization “to spark powerful developments in advanced manufacturing, materials science, aerospace and workforce development,” according to a press release. The two will work together on research projects, grant applications, technology demonstrations and more to offer students more educational opportunities and to support faculty research and Skyway’s engineers.
That same year, the university opened its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center, featuring cutting-edge R&D labs, autonomous technology space and collaborative environments designed to accelerate discovery.
Polk County’s research strength is also reflected in its people. Five Florida Poly professors were named to Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list for their contributions across nanotechnology, transportation systems, power electronics, rare earth recovery and computational intelligence. Alumni are pushing boundaries as well, including a 2019 graduate now researching bioprinting solutions for heart valve repair.
Innovation thrives where vision, talent and opportunity align. In Polk County, that alignment is clear—and the Central Florida Innovation District is leading the way. Sean Malott is President & CEO of the Central Florida Development Council, which he has led since 2016. He has directed economic development and worked on business partnerships in a variety of roles throughout his career. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Purdue University.