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University Research a High Tech Catalyst High tech research in the Corridor has become a more than $1 billion economic driver thanks to the three research universities that make up the region—the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF). Together, they are responsible for research projects that have leveraged a more than $62 million investment from The Corridor to create a $1 billion impact. The impact stems from The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program which partners UCF, USF and UF with local businesses to solve commercial challenges. Since the program was established in 1996, more than 360 companies have worked with university faculty on more than 1,300 projects furthering innovation in biomedical sciences, nanotechnology, sustainable energy and more. One such company that has greatly benefited from a partnership with a Corridor university is Orlando’s JHT Inc. JHT has a focus on modeling, simulation and training, and frequently partners with UCF in researching advanced technology. The two have developed remarkable new developments in the industry and continue to challenge current methods in simulation training. In these pages, you’ll read about JHT’s latest research project and other companies that have participated in the program to revolutionize energy savings in the food and beverage industry, create an alternative fuel from waste in landfills and build an app to treat heart failure – just to name a few. The stories of innovation and scientific achievement are countless in Florida’s High Tech Corridor. florida.HIGH.TECH 2015 19