From Startup to Global Scale: Building Cross-Border Innovation Pathways

Innovation increasingly happens across borders. Startups look beyond their home markets for customers, capital, talent, pilot programs, and strategic partners. Corporations seek new technologies and global partnerships to stay competitive. Universities and research institutions connect with international peers to advance discovery, commercialization, and workforce development.

This breakout will explore how cross-border collaboration can help startups, corporations, universities, accelerators, and research institutions turn ideas into scalable solutions. Panelists will discuss how international partnerships are formed, what makes them succeed, and how cities can create the conditions for innovation ecosystems to connect globally.

For Tampa, this conversation is especially timely as the region continues to grow its startup ecosystem, university research capacity, defense and health innovation sectors, and international business relationships. This session will help attendees understand how innovation can move across borders — and how Tampa can position itself as a place where global ideas, talent, and technology connect.