91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly and Catapult team up to ignite tech innovation and economic growth

Feb 03, 2025
Dr. Devin Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Polytechnic University, and Christin Strawbridge, president of Catapult Lakeland, sign a partnership agreement.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Polytechnic University, and Christin Strawbridge, president of Catapult Lakeland, sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday, Jan. 31, formalizing a partnership intended to boost innovation and economic development in Central 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­.

91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­has partnered with Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneurial business incubator, to boost STEM education and drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in Lakeland and the region.

Leaders from the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, Jan. 31 at Catapult in Downtown Lakeland. 

The partnership seeks to empower students and faculty with hands-on STEM education and entrepreneurial opportunities, fueling the region’s transformation into a high-tech economic hub. 

β€œWe now have a platform for collaboration, and I firmly believe that it doesn't matter who gets the credit, it just matters that we do good things together and make a difference,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly’s president. β€œUltimately, we all want to make Lakeland a hub for innovation and this is just one step.”

Catapult’s sprawling 10,000-square-foot makerspace provides a top-quality setting equipped with advanced tools and technologies to help bring innovative ideas to life.

β€œWe believe this is the beginning of a powerful collaboration that will shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in all of Central 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­,” said Christin Strawbridge, Catapult’s president. β€œWe're excited to show up tomorrow and make this a partnership that really matters.”

Key elements anticipated in the partnership include:

  •  Access to the Makerspace will be granted to designated 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly faculty, fabricators and students for approved projects or business ventures.
  • 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly students can collaborate with Catapult’s entrepreneurial community, participate in pitch nights, engage in mentorship relationships and gain firsthand experience with start-up development.
  • Faculty will advise students and collaborate with Catapult startups and local businesses, offering technical solutions and research support in areas like engineering, data science and tech development.
  • 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly will provide resources, including its 3D print farm and technical expertise, to help Catapult startups accelerate product development while offering students valuable hands-on experience in engineering and design.

The 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Poly-Catapult partnership aims to diversify the Lakeland and Central 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ economies through STEM innovation and entrepreneurship. Its success will help position Lakeland as a leader in high-tech industries vital to both 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­β€™s and nation’s economic future.

 

Contact:
Lydia GuzmΓ‘n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

Categories