Three tech groups launch new hub for innovation downtown

As Kunal Patel wrapped up his remarks at what some say could be a pivotal – albeit routine – ribbon cutting downtown, Orlando tech leaders Dawn Haynes and Paul Sohl silently nodded in agreement.

Patel had shined the light on what they hope becomes the real impact of Tech Hub Orlando, a new space opened through a partnership between UCF, Patel’s firm OMG Labs and Innovate Orlando.

“It’s another way to grow together toward what we really need here in this city, which is a launchpad for building great things,” Patel said. “All big things have small beginnings. Now we begin as another new smaller thing that will lead to an even bigger thing.”

A collection of tech, civic and community leaders helped launch the new space at 36 W. Pine St. downtown on Tuesday.

Ideally, the new facility will help usher in at least the downtown tech community’s next phase. However, getting to that will take more than opening a new office space.

But, for now, it’s important to take stock of any community victories, Patel said.

“When you have a startup, it’s really hard,” he said. “When you’re in that, it sometimes feels like it’s taking too long or a lot of energy. Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to pause and realize we have reached a milestone.”

Tech Hub Orlando is an office building complete with an auditorium set aside for community events.

The 11,500-square-foot facility already supports several organizations and companies beyond the three lead groups.

In October, during the space’s soft opening period, more than 350 people attended events at Tech Hub Orlando.

The events included groups like Indienomicon Game Jams, Startup Weekend, 1 Million Cups and GrowFL.

“By creating places like Tech Hub Orlando, we are combining the strengths across our community to develop the next generation of successful businesses that call Orlando home,” said Haynes, CEO of the business incubator Starter Studio, in her opening remarks.

Throughout the morning, visitors took tours and received information about the facility. Many in attendance were seeing the space for the first time.

“This is the first step toward bringing the community together,” said David Adelson, Innovate Orlando CEO. “The new building will be the center of tech in our region.”

Adelson said the space will be home to downtown Orlando’s tech community for the near future, as plans for a more elaborate hub move forward during the next several years.

“It’s a place to call home until that happens,” he said.