Startup Daytona
Build Where Things Are Proven
A century of engineering heritage. World-class aerospace talent. Testing infrastructure built for extreme conditions. Affordable space to build. Daytona is where performance-driven startups belong.
Startups built on real engineering heritage go further
Most startups in high-performance sectors (aerospace, autonomous systems, propulsion, advanced manufacturing) need more than funding and co-working space. They need talent that understands mission-critical engineering. They need testing infrastructure. They need a culture that values proof over pitch decks.
Daytona has been building exactly that for over a century. From land speed records to endurance racing to aerospace research, this region's entire identity is built around applied performance under real-world stress.
That's not just a nice story. It's a startup advantage.
Four Eras, Four Startup Advantages
Every era of Daytona's innovation history created resources and capabilities that today's startups can tap into.
A culture of testing
Ransom Olds, Segrave, and Campbell didn't come to Daytona for the scenery. They came because it was the best place on earth to push machines to failure and learn from it. That culture of rigorous, open-air testing is still embedded here. It's exactly what hardware startups need.
Engineering under pressure
NASCAR and IMSA created a network of fabrication shops, composite specialists, telemetry engineers, and simulation experts. These aren't just racing resources. They're the exact capabilities that aerospace, defense, and autonomous systems startups need. And they're already here.
World-class talent pipeline
Embry-Riddle produces thousands of aerospace engineers, data scientists, and systems thinkers every year. For startups building aircraft, drones, propulsion systems, or anything that flies, this talent pipeline is strong. And they're already in Daytona. You don't have to recruit them across the country.
Where eras meet
eVTOL, autonomous systems, hybrid-electric propulsion, coastal resilience tech. The sectors defined by the Fourth Era are emerging right now. Startups building in these spaces can draw on all three previous eras: the testing culture, the engineering infrastructure, and the talent pipeline. That compound advantage is Daytona's edge.
Where Founders Are Building
These sectors aren't aspirational. They're directly connected to capabilities Daytona has been building for a century.
Aerospace & Aviation
Aircraft systems, avionics, propulsion components, MRO technology, flight data analytics, airport operations tech.
Local Heritage
Embry-Riddle research, DBIA flight operations, aerospace supplier network
Autonomous Systems & UAV
Unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous ground platforms, sensor fusion, navigation systems, computer vision for flight.
Local Heritage
Censys Technologies, Embry-Riddle unmanned systems labs, aerospace corridor
Advanced Propulsion & eVTOL
Hybrid-electric powertrains, hydrogen systems, electric vertical takeoff, next-gen engine architectures, energy management.
Local Heritage
VerdeGo Aero, AURA AERO, motorsports propulsion expertise, aerospace R&D infrastructure
Motorsports Technology
Telemetry platforms, simulation software, materials testing, safety systems, data analytics for racing and beyond.
Local Heritage
NASCAR engineering network, IMSA, DIS, fabrication and composite shops
Coastal & Climate Tech
Marine robotics, storm modeling, coastal monitoring sensors, blue economy platforms, infrastructure resilience systems.
Local Heritage
Atlantic coastline, engineering culture, climate-exposed testing environment
Advanced Manufacturing
Composites, precision machining, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, small-batch production for aerospace and defense.
Local Heritage
Motorsports fabrication shops, aerospace supply chain, affordable industrial space
What Daytona Gives Founders
Aerospace Talent Pipeline
Embry-Riddle, Daytona State, Bethune-Cookman, and UCF Daytona produce engineers, data scientists, and business talent year-round. Recruit locally instead of competing nationally.
Affordable Space to Build
Industrial space, office space, and lab facilities at a fraction of major metro costs. Room for prototyping, testing, and manufacturing from day one.
Testing Infrastructure
Motorsports facilities, airfields, coastal environments, and open space for field testing. If your product needs to be tested under real conditions, Daytona has the terrain.
Institutional Partnerships
Direct pathways to Embry-Riddle research labs, university incubators, and government programs. Collaborate on R&D, access student talent, and validate technology.
Logistics & Connectivity
I-95, I-4, CSX rail, and Daytona Beach International Airport. Ship products, receive materials, and reach customers across the Southeast and beyond.
Engineering Culture
A community that understands what it takes to build things that work. Mentors from motorsports, aerospace, and defense who speak the language of applied engineering.
Defense & Government Access
Proximity to military installations, Kennedy Space Center, and Florida's aerospace corridor. SBIR/STTR and defense contracting opportunities for qualified startups.
Quality of Life
Atlantic coast living. Year-round outdoor access. A cost of living that lets founders and employees build real lives while building real companies.
Pro-Business Environment
No state income tax. Business-friendly regulations. Local government that understands innovation-driven economic development and actively supports it.
Already Building in Daytona
These companies chose Daytona for its engineering heritage, talent, and infrastructure. They're the proof that the startup thesis works.
Hybrid-electric propulsion systems for eVTOL and advanced air mobility. U.S. Air Force and NASA partner.
Daytona Connection
Draws on Embry-Riddle propulsion research and Daytona's century of pushing engine performance.
Advanced UAV platforms and autonomous systems for defense and commercial applications.
Daytona Connection
Draws on Daytona's aerospace talent, testing infrastructure, and defense corridor access.
Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturer. U.S. headquarters at Embry-Riddle Research Park. Building a 500,000 sq ft production facility at Daytona Beach International Airport.
Daytona Connection
Chose Daytona for Embry-Riddle's aerospace talent pipeline, flight testing infrastructure, and aviation-ready airfield access.
Advanced telemetry, simulation, materials science, and safety systems development.
Daytona Connection
The original applied innovation hub. Decades of engineering that transfers to autonomous and defense tech.
Aerospace Suppliers & Fabricators
Precision manufacturing, composite fabrication, and specialized components for aviation and defense.
Daytona Connection
A supply chain built over decades to serve the most demanding engineering standards on earth.
Resources for Founders
From talent and mentorship to testing facilities and institutional partnerships.
University Talent & Research
- Embry-Riddle aerospace engineering graduates
- Daytona State applied technology programs
- Bethune-Cookman business and leadership talent
- UCF Daytona degree programs and partnerships
- Student internship and co-op pipelines
Incubation & Mentorship
- Embry-Riddle Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- University-based incubator programs
- Industry mentors from aerospace and motorsports
- Daytona Innovation community network
- Pitch events and demo days
Testing & Prototyping
- Airfield access for flight testing
- Coastal environments for marine tech
- Industrial space for hardware prototyping
- Motorsports-grade fabrication facilities
- Open terrain for autonomous vehicle testing
Funding & Government
- SBIR/STTR federal grant programs
- Florida state innovation incentives
- Defense contract pathways via aerospace corridor
- Local economic development support
- Angel and early-stage investor networks
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
- Composite fabrication shops
- Precision machining and CNC services
- Aerospace parts suppliers
- Aviation maintenance operations
- Rapid prototyping and 3D printing services
Community & Events
- Founder meetups and networking sessions
- Hackathons and build challenges
- Industry conference access
- Cross-sector collaboration events
- Daytona Innovation partner introductions
Ready to Build in Daytona?
Connect with the Daytona Innovation community. Access talent, mentorship, testing infrastructure, and a network of founders and engineers who are already building here.
100+
Years of innovation heritage
4+
Universities and institutions
6
High-growth startup sectors