Research and Collaboration
By collaborating with industry, Computer Science faculty, researchers, and students pursue fundamental and applied research in many areas, including: computer vision, image and video processing, machine learning and AI, virtual reality and HCI, computer graphics, software engineering and systems, parallel computation, networking and mobile computing, computer security and digital forensics, bioinformatics and systems biology, theory of computing, algorithms, and quantum computing, computer architecture, and databases. These collaborations are a source of interesting and fruitful problems for us and a source of cutting-edge, transformational solutions and approaches for our industrial partners.
Industrial Incentive Programs
Florida High-Tech Corridor (FHTC) Industry Matching Research Programs
Open Solicitation
This program will remain open until the maximum commitment level is reached. Proposals are sought for partnership projects between University of Central Florida (UCF) faculty and regional high technology industries along the Florida High Tech Corridor (FHTC). The primary goal of the FHTC is to attract, grow, and retain high technology companies in the Florida High Tech Corridor area. This program is specifically designed to expand the research activities of an FHTC industry partner by providing matching funds to leverage research collaborations between Industry and UCF. Florida High Tech Corridor (FHTC) Open program funding, is a ratio of 3:1 cash and in-kind match.
For example, if you are requesting FHTC funding through this program for a project totaling $120,000, the maximum amount that can be requested from the FHTC Industry Matching Research Open Program is $30,000. The industry partner would contribute $90,000 cash and $90,000 in-kind funding. This should be documented through a signed letter of commitment or, in the case of an award, the award document.
Phase II SBIR/STTR External Investment Program
This program will remain open until the maximum commitment level is reached. This program is specifically designed to expand the research activities of an FHTC industry partner by providing external investment funds to small companies to leverage research collaborations between Industry and UCF to assist in obtaining a Phase II SBIR/STTR award.
While projects may be proposed in any discipline, applications are particularly encouraged in areas contributing to the development of the high technology sectors encompassed within the Florida High Tech Corridor Initiative. The list below directly reflects the interest and goals of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and the map illustrates the applicable Florida counties:
- Aerospace
- Biotechnology
- Information Technologies and Services
- Manufacturing Design
- Marine Technologies
- Medical Products
- Medical Technologies
- Microelectronics
- Nanotechnology
- Optic and Lasers
- Renewable Energry
- Software Development
- Simulation and Training
- Solar Technology
- Telecommunications
- Transportation Systems
Industrial Advisory Board
The goal of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) is to develop the leaders of tomorrow by combining the academic excellence of CS and multi-disciplinary research experiences with real world applications. The IAB builds partnerships between our researchers and companies that have a strategic interest in Computer Science development. These partnerships provide an opportunity for industry to work with CS faculty on joint research and development funded by government and industry. Our goals are to foster broad intellectual interactions with industrial partners and to facilitate the rapid implementation of the Department’s technology for the benefit of society. The IAB provides key opportunities for industrial partners to connect with CS researchers through focused workshops, seminars and student recruitment opportunities as well as an Annual Industry Day.
“The IAB builds partnerships between our researchers and companies that have a strategic interest in Computer Science development.”
The IAB also provides research direction involving areas of pressing industry need and concern and expedites the placement of our students, research results, and innovations to industry. Efforts are made to keep industry informed of the Department of CS’ research activities of interest and to serve as a point of contact for any industrial organization wishing to take advantage of the various services available through the school. In cooperation with the faculty and research staff, CS works to achieve meaningful relations with industry.