Tampa Bay Wave Partners with SPC to Expand Innovation and Career Pathways

St. Petersburg College has announced a partnership with Tampa Bay Wave to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and create new pathways for students to enter high-growth technology careers.

The collaboration connects SPC students, faculty and programs with Tampa Bay Wave’s nationally recognized accelerator, providing access to mentorship, entrepreneurial resources, and real-world startup experience across sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity and healthtech.

The partnership comes as Tampa Bay Wave continues to expand its impact through support from Bank of America, which recently awarded the organization an Economic Mobility Grant to fuel tech innovation, job creation and economic growth across the region.

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 shaping the future workforce.

Tampa Bay Wave has played a key role in building the region’s tech economy, supporting more than 570 startups, helping companies raise $1.1 billion in capital and contributing to the creation of nearly 6,000 high-wage jobs.

The collaboration aligns with SPC’s mission to connect education with business needs while expanding opportunities in high-demand industries.

“This partnership allows us to connect our students to the innovation economy in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at SPC. “By working with Tampa Bay Wave, we are creating opportunities 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 Tech Workforce

Tampa Bay 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/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. 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.

ABOUT TAMPA BAY WAVE

Tampa Bay Wave, Florida’s #1 Accelerator, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to accelerate Florida’s Innovation Ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions and scalable businesses. Since 2013, we’ve nurtured more than 650 startups that have raised more than $1.7 billion in investor capital and created more than 7,100 jobs. We are building a dynamic innovation ecosystem of startups, mentors, and investors. Our efforts have been a catalyst for economic prosperity, impacting local, national and global communities.

Bolstered by a robust network of community partners, and sustained through sponsorships, grants and passionate community backing, we are “built for founders, fueled by community.” Tampa Bay Wave also receives financial support from our economic development partners: the U.S. Economic Development Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa, as well as from academia, corporations and foundations, including: A-LIGN, Appspace, Bank of America, Celestar, Clifton Larson, Allen, Delta Air Lines/Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Florida High Tech Corridor, Foley & Lardner, Kuducom, Nielsen Foundation, NextPath Workforce Solutions, Regions Foundation, St. Petersburg College, TECO, and the University of South Florida, among others. Learn more at tampabaywave.org.

ABOUT ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE

St. Petersburg College, founded in 1927 as Florida's first two-year college, is a public institution in Pinellas County offering over 300 degree, certificate, and transfer programs, including bachelor's degrees. With an open-admissions policy and 10 locations, SPC focuses on career-driven education and affordable tuition, currently serving ~25,000 students. SPC adds over $3 billion in economic impact to the Tampa Bay area and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. SPC’s mission is to provide accessible, learner-centered instruction for students pursuing associate degrees, four-year degrees and technical certifications. Learn more at spcollege.edu.