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Catapult signs high-level strategic partnership with Florida Polytechnic University

The partnership will not only advance Catapult and the university’s missions, but also create innovative opportunities to advance Lakeland’s economic landscape.

The President of Catapult, Christin Strawbridge, and President of Florida Polytechnic University, Dr. Devin Stephenson, sit at a table covered in a black tablecloth with a purple Florida Polytechnic University banner. On either side of them are two banners boasting Florida Poly's achievements. Behind them are a group of people looking on.

Florida Poly and Catapult are ready to get down to business.

Photo by LALtoday

Innovation rising. In a Friday, Jan. 31 ceremony, Florida Polytechnic University signed on as one of Catapult’s latest strategic community partners.

Through this partnership, Florida Poly students and faculty can utilize Catapult’s 10,000-sqft Makerspace as a venue for research projects, student-led start-ups, and other innovations — something they’re no strangers to. The end goal? To provide a direct pathway for Florida Poly stakeholders to impact Lakeland’s local economic + business landscapes.

Students will also have access to Catapult’s extensive resource library, as well as mentoring from the Experts in Residence to equip them with additional knowledge for success beyond the classroom.

The long-awaited partnership is similar in nature to one that Florida Southern College’s Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship entered into with Catapult in 2024, which has since produced at least 10 student-led start-ups with roots in Lakeland.

Students + faculty aren’t the only ones invited to the Makerspace — Lakelanders can bring their products to life by becoming Catapult members.

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