Tampa Bay Wave Partners with St. Petersburg College to Expand Innovation and Workforce Pathways
Partnership connects students to startup ecosystems, mentorship and high-growth tech careers
Tampa Bay Wave, (Wave), a leading nonprofit technology accelerator, announces its newest academic partnership, with St. Petersburg College (SPC), to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and create new pathways for students into high-growth technology careers.
The collaboration connects SPC students, faculty and programs with Wave’s nationally recognized accelerators, providing access to mentorship, entrepreneurship resources and real-world startup experience across sectors, such as fintech, cybersecurity, AI defensetech and healthtech.
Wave’s impact continues to expand through partnerships with public and private sources, including foundations and individuals, as well as academics, to fuel tech innovation, job creation and economic growth across the region and beyond.
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Expanding opportunity through innovation
Through this partnership, SPC students will have opportunities to engage directly with startup founders, participate in innovation-driven programming and gain exposure to emerging technologies that will shape the future workforce.
Wave has played a key role in building the region’s tech economy, supporting more than 650 startups, helping companies raise $1.7 billion in capital and contributing to the creation of more than 7,100 high-wage jobs, with an economic impact exceeding $400 million annually.
College leaders say the collaboration aligns with SPC’s mission to connect education with workforce needs while expanding opportunities in high-demand industries, ensuring quality talent producing the workforce of the future.
“This partnership allows us to connect our students to the innovation economy in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, VP of Academic Affairs at SPC. “By working with Tampa Bay Wave, we are creating pathways for students to gain hands-on experience, build networks and step into careers that are shaping the future of our region.
Strengthening Tampa Bay’s workforce pipeline
Wave’s accelerator programs provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship and a strong support network, helping transform ideas into scalable businesses that drive economic impact.
Leaders from both organizations say the partnership will help bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring students are prepared for careers in rapidly evolving fields while supporting continued growth in the Tampa Bay tech sector.
“As we continue to grow Tampa Bay’s innovation ecosystem, partnerships with institutions like SPC are essential,” said Linda Olson, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Wave. “Together, we can expand access to opportunity, support diverse talent and strengthen the pipeline of future entrepreneurs and technology leaders.”
Looking ahead
As SPC approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the College continues to invest in partnerships that drive economic mobility and community impact. Wave is proud to celebrate St. Petersburg College as our newest Pillar of Innovation.
By connecting students to organizations like Tampa Bay Wave, SPC is helping ensure graduates are not only workforce-ready but positioned to lead in the region’s growing innovation economy.
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