The 2026 Orlando Tech Grant Program is a $65,000 initiative supporting grassroots tech programs, talent development, and innovation-focused advancements across Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando and the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) officially launched the 2026 Orlando Tech Grant, a $65,000 funding initiative designed to strengthen Orlando’s innovation ecosystem by investing in the organizations and programs that connect entrepreneurs, talent, and industry leaders throughout the region.
Funded by the City of Orlando and administered by the OEP, the grant program supports initiatives that advance the Orlando 2045 Vision of becoming a Top 10 global Innovation Hub by promoting organizations that contribute to Orlando’s ecosystem-building initiatives and organizations, not just individual companies.
“Orlando’s success as a growing innovation hub depends on the strength of the organizations that bring people together, develop talent, and create opportunities for new ideas to thrive,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
“Through the Orlando Tech Grant Program, the City is proud to invest in the community partners who are helping build a stronger, more connected tech ecosystem and creating economic opportunity for residents across our city.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“The Orlando Tech Grant is an investment in the programs and partnerships that make Orlando’s innovation ecosystem stronger,” said Sheena Fowler, OEP SVP of Innovation and Economic Development.
“By funding both grassroots community builders and larger strategic initiatives, we’re strengthening the organizations that connect talent, industry leaders, and innovators across our region, and moving Orlando closer to becoming a top global innovation hub.”
Sheena Fowler, OEP SVP of Innovation and Economic Development
The program offers two funding opportunities:
Ignite Grants, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, support grassroots ecosystem-building efforts such as meetups, mentorship programs, hackathons, networking events, and community-led technology initiatives.
Capability Catalyst Grants, ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, support larger initiatives. Examples include a 12-week XR developer accelerator, two-day physics-based simulation demonstration, digital twin pilot project, clinical AI ethics summit, 16-week semiconductor talent pipeline program, and 48-hour sports analytics datathon.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations serving the City of Orlando, fiscally sponsored projects, mission-aligned for-profit organizations operating ecosystem-building programs, and volunteer-led initiatives applying through a fiscal sponsor.
In addition to grant funding, selected organizations will receive increased visibility through OEP’s marketing and storytelling efforts and a complimentary booth at OEP’s annual signature technology event in February, providing opportunities to connect with investors, talent, community leaders, and fellow innovators.
Applications for the 2026 Orlando Tech Grant are now open and must be submitted through OEP’s online portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 28, 2026.
For more information about the Orlando Tech Grant, eligibility requirements, or the application process, visit Orlando.org/techgrant or contact Sheena Fowler, SVP of Innovation & Economic Development at Sheena.Fowler@Orlando.org.