If Jacksonville is to be a true tech hub, pitch meetings and networking events such as the ConnectFest that took place on the campus of the University of North Florida on Wednesday afternoon must become commonplace.
Sam Maule, a key account director for Google Cloud, said he believes the Jacksonville area's tech scene is emerging. What the region needs are stronger bonds between business – whether startups or established entities like Google Cloud – and the talent those companies require.
“When you look at any tech hub globally, what do they have in common? Access to talent, great universities and then great businesses,” Maule said. “You have the private sector, the public sector and universities. …you want the younger people and those who are going back to school, you want access with that talent, but also being able to work with companies.”
Google Cloud was one of the entities that held breakout sessions on Wednesday during the event, a first for UNF. ConnectFest was designed to introduce students to tech companies, with VyStar Credit Union, FIS and Inc. and Fast Company magazines holding breakout sessions.
Seven startups also pitched their companies, with a pair of university-funded interns as a prize.
What has separated UNF from other universities, Maule said, is its eagerness to speak with industry and encourage internships with established companies and start-ups. He cited the longtime connection the dean of UNF's College of Computing, Engineering & Construction, Chip Klostermeyer, has with Google Cloud Vice President for Financial Services Yolande Piazza as one of the main catalysts for Wednesday's event.
Klostermeyer said events like Wednesday's let the school and the students forge their own connections.
“We want to know what type of jobs are out there,” Klostermeyer said. “We want to make sure we are placing students in exciting jobs. Students these days are very entrepreneurial. A lot of kids grow up with the mentality that they want to be engaged in a start-up. We thought this is a good opportunity to help that.”
