While Orlando may be known for its theme parks and tourism, the region is quickly gaining recognition as a burgeoning global tech hub. Since the Space Race, Orlando has been at the forefront of building the foundation for innovative technology ranging from the foundation of the metaverse to lidar and semiconductors to immersive entertainment tech.
1. Innovation is in Orlando’s DNA.
The same innovation that is powering the metaverse is what transformed Orlando from a humble community of cattle and citrus to the epicenter of rockets, rollercoasters, shuttles, and simulations. For decades, Orlando’s talent and technology have been pushing the boundaries of immersive experience, digital entertainment, 3D modeling and simulation. Many businesses continue to demonstrate the incredible momentum of Orlando’s tech and innovation, including global powerhouse Falcon’s Beyond which reached Unicorn status and rang the Nasdaq opening bell last year.
“Over the years, Orlando has elevated its profile as a tech hub where entertainment and innovation are linked,” said Cecil Magpuri, Falcon’s Beyond CEO and co-founder. “Orlando has become the epicenter for building consumer entertainment experiences that push the limits of what is possible.”
2. Orlando is recognized as the modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) capital of the world.
That’s because the five U.S. military branches have significant MS&T procurement activities in Orlando. Local companies compete for billions in military and defense contracts and Orlando is one of the few places in the world where the services coordinate efforts. The region supports collaboration between academic institutions, business partners, and the military thanks to organizations like the National Center for Simulation and TEAM Orlando. Orlando also hosts the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) every year, the world’s largest modeling, simulation, and training event.
3. Orlando is a national leader in semiconductor reshoring.
Osceola County is where you will find NeoCity, a 500-acre master-planned, mixed-use research and technology district located 20 minutes away from Orlando International Airport. This cluster for advanced manufacturing and packaging is bolstering in on track to receive half a billion dollars in state and federal investments that will strategically position Orlando as a leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing, all while amplifying the region’s resilience and strength and national security.
“This is my fourth startup in Orlando. I think the talent pool, access to resources, the lifestyle that our colleagues have in Orlando is amazing,” said Chakri Toleti, CEO and founder of care.ai. “It's a great place to have a startup, especially with NASA, Space X, UCF, all the different tech companies which are here, it's like a hidden gem. If I do one more company, I wouldn't go anywhere else except Orlando.”
4. Orlando’s tech economy is growing.
According to the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Market Intelligence team’s analysis of Lightcast data, approximately 91,000 jobs in Orlando, or 7 percent of the region’s 1.3 million workforce, are enabled by, produce, or facilitate technology. This includes 35,000 jobs outside of traditional tech industries, which exceeds the total current employment at Walt Disney World, the nation’s largest single-site employer. These jobs generate approximately $43 billion in economic output, which is 16 percent of Orlando’s economic output.
5. Orlando has the talent to fuel innovative company growth.
The Orlando talent pipeline includes more than 500,000 students within a 100-mile radius. The region’s exceptional university and college system combined with a vibrant quality of life ensures a strong and stable labor pool. And Orlando is home to approximately 50 local and regional tech associations, many of which specialize in a specific sector or industry.
“Talent is key for us at Electronic Arts and for our continued growth here in Orlando,” said Daryl Holt, Electronic Arts senior vice president and general manager. “The educational partners that we have and the pipelines that we have created and continue to create are paramount to that success. We have three billion gamers worldwide, so we need a diverse set of talent still coming into our organization.”
6. We have the rankings to prove it.
The strength of the Orlando region’s innovation ecosystem is evident in our recent awards, rankings and recognitions, including #1 City for IT Talent, #1 Large City to Start a Business for two years in a row, #2 Tech City by Job Posting Growth, #1 Most Connected City in America, #2 City with the Fastest-Growing Salaries for Tech Workers, #1 Fastest Growing City for Entrepreneurs, #1 Best Place to Work in Tech, #2 City with Most Startups.
It’s clear Orlando is well-positioned as a leader in the development and deployment emerging technology, with its strong ecosystem, tradition of innovation, density of industry and deep talent pool. To learn more about Orlando’s innovative technologies, visit www.InvestOrlando.org.
Winner of the National Chamber of the Year award, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is an economic and community development organization that is seizing the moment to advance Broad-based Prosperity® and create a more prosperous economy for all. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, attract growing companies, boost job creation, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership.