Applied Performance Innovation
Where Things Are Tested
Daytona Beach has been pushing systems to their limits for over a century, from land speed records on its sands to aerospace research that shapes the future. We're not inventing a narrative. We're recovering one.
100+
Years of Innovation Heritage
4+
Universities & Institutions
20+
Industry Partners
5
Innovation Pillars
Our Position
Aerospace + Motorsports + Coastal Engineering + High-Performance Systems
Daytona has deep innovation DNA. A century of speed, flight, and engineering under pressure. The story just hasn't been told correctly until now.
Local Innovation, Real Impact
Daytona's innovation history isn't lost. It's fragmented. Aviation people know it. Racing people know it. Aerospace people know it. We're the ones unifying the story and building the platform.
Connect
Unify the fragmented communities of aviation, motorsports, aerospace, and coastal tech into one collaborative network.
Create
Run applied projects, hackathons, and incubation programs that draw on Daytona's unique performance engineering heritage.
Accelerate
Help ventures move faster by connecting them to Embry-Riddle students, engineers, manufacturers, and business leaders.
A Century of Applied Innovation
Daytona Beach has been testing the limits of physics for over a century. Land speed records on its sands. World-class aerospace research. Endurance engineering at the highest level. This region's innovation infrastructure runs deep.
- Embry-Riddle: one of the most respected aerospace universities in the world
- Daytona International Speedway: applied engineering under extreme pressure
- Adjacent to Kennedy Space Center and Florida's aerospace corridor
- Atlantic coastline driving coastal resilience and blue-tech innovation
- Strategic logistics: Interstate, rail, airport, and affordable overhead
100+
Years of speed and aerospace heritage
$2.3B
Regional economic impact from education
100K+
Students in the regional talent pipeline
Universities Driving Innovation
Four institutions anchor Daytona Beach's education and research community, each contributing unique talent, research, and entrepreneurship programs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
One of the most respected aerospace universities in the world. Not regional, global. Operates dedicated research labs and a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that turns student ideas into ventures.
Daytona State College
A major workforce education institution focused on applied learning, expanding aerospace and technology programs, and incubating practical solutions for the local economy.
Bethune-Cookman University
A historically Black university with deep roots in community leadership and a growing role in developing diverse innovation talent across Daytona Beach.
University of Central Florida, Daytona Campus
Extends UCF's innovation network to Daytona Beach with degree programs and regional partnerships, connecting to one of the largest universities in the nation.
Companies Driving the Future
From global motorsports to aerospace startups, these companies anchor the region's applied innovation economy. They prove that Daytona builds things that perform.
NASCAR / Daytona International Speedway
Global motorsports brand headquartered here: materials science, aerodynamics, telemetry, data analytics, and endurance engineering at the highest level.
Brown & Brown, Inc.
Nationally recognized insurance and risk management firm headquartered in Daytona Beach with a growing technology focus.
Censys Technologies
Building advanced UAV platforms and autonomous systems for defense and commercial use, based right here in Daytona Beach.
VerdeGo Aero
Developing hybrid-electric propulsion systems for eVTOL and advanced air mobility from Daytona Beach.
Programs & Resources
For students, startups, and organizations looking for collaborators and support.
Project Labs
Focused project teams with space, tools, and mentorship to go from concept to prototype.
Partner Integrations
Direct connections with universities, industry, and government to get your project the resources it needs.
Events & Hackathons
Meetups, networking sessions, pitch nights, and hackathons to build relationships and test ideas.
Mentorship Network
Mentors from industry, academia, and government available to support builders at every stage.
Community Pilot Projects
Collaborative initiatives tackling real challenges in transportation, sustainability, and workforce development.
Innovation Pipeline
A structured path from idea to launch, including market validation, funding connections, and scaling support.
Get Involved
Attend events, propose a project, connect with other innovators, or become a founding contributor. This isn't hype. This is rediscovery.
Attend Events
Hackathons, meetups, and networking sessions with local innovators.
Propose Projects
Submit an idea that benefits the community and find collaborators.
Become a Partner
Organizations and leaders can help shape Daytona's innovation community.