The city of Orlando and Orlando Tech Community announced on Tuesday six recipients of its innovation grants for this year.
The grants will support programs like Orlando Science Center’s Spark STEM Fest, a new local chapter of Unreal Engine enthusiasts and a day conference for Tech Sassy Girlz.
The largest award of $14,000 went to Orlando Innovation League for its Startup Weekend, which brings the community together to build companies in one weekend.
“To every applicant: Thank you,” a release announcing the winners read. “Your work is critical to shaping a tech economy that reflects the talent and potential of all of Orlando. We see you, we value your contributions and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”
All together, roughly 30 organizations applied for the grant, a number that leaders said was the most applications ever.
The awards ranged in value from $8,000 to Unreal Orlando and M3D Technologies for reviving an Unreal Engine user group to Startup Weekend’s $14,000.
Orlando Science Center and Tech Sassy Girlz received $10,000, Indienomicon Foundation received $11,000 and Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship landed $12,000.
WTE plans to host a gala honoring women in tech in February in Orlando. The plans for the awards included simple funding for events like Startup Weekend, Spark STEM Fest and Indienomicon’s game jams.
Tech Sassy Girlz, meanwhile, will use its grant money to create a day conference.
“These six organizations represent the energy, diversity and determination driving Orlando’s tech economy forward,” the release read.
For the first time, the award notification also included applicants that had not been successful in applying.
Innovate Orlando CEO Sheena Fowler explained that she will continue to seek additional resources beyond the grants to support the programs. In addition, she said publicizing the efforts expands its reach in the event that others from the community might want to support them.
“It shines a spotlight on the innovation happening across our region. It opens the door for new partnerships—whether that’s supporting these groups directly or helping us grow the grant so we can amplify even more of this work,” she told Orlando Tech News.
Here is a list of the winners and their initiatives.
Orlando Innovation League – Startup Weekend Orlando
Startup Weekend Orlando is a high-energy, 3-day event where aspiring entrepreneurs
form teams, build business concepts, and pitch to judges—turning ideas into startups
through mentorship, collaboration, and rapid prototyping.
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship – WTE Orlando
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) Orlando will host a yearlong series of
in-person and virtual events, workshops, and a statewide awards gala to equip diverse
talent, expand access to capital, and elevate Orlando as a hub for women-led innovation
and tech.
Indienomicon Foundation – Jam Innovation Series
Indienomicon’s Jam Innovation Series uses rapid game jam events to connect Central
Florida’s tech talent with industries like space, healthcare, and defense—fueling
startups, job creation, and cross-sector innovation through 48-hour prototyping
challenges.
Orlando Science Center – Spark STEM Fest
Orlando Science Center’s Spark STEM Fest is a multi-day, all-ages event that connects
the public with STEM professionals, research, and technology through interactive
experiences designed to inspire future innovators and grow the tech talent pipeline.
Unreal Orlando / M3D Technologies – Orlando Unreal Engine Initiative
The re-launched Orlando Unreal Engine Chapter, in partnership with Epic Games, aims
to establish Orlando as a leading hub for immersive technology through meetups,
mentorship, and events that connect developers, businesses, and universities around
Unreal Engine.
Tech Sassy Girlz – Day Conference
Tech Sassy Girlz is a year-round, project-based STEM program for middle and high
school girls that expands access to informal, out-of-school learning across Central
Florida to strengthen the pipeline of underrepresented talent in tech.