Introducing the Florida Gulf Coast University
Innovation Hub

"Our hope is that Florida Gulf Coast University Innovation Hub becomes home to the vision, diversity of talent and spirit of collaboration that will guide the region and the entire state of Florida into the future."

John D. Backe
Backe Foundation

"I believe that the creation of the Florida Gulf Coast University Innovation Hub is a reflection of a new level of maturation for the University."

Wilson G. Bradshaw
President, FGCU

Florida Gulf Coast University has joined the Backe Group in a collaborative venture to create Florida Gulf Coast University Innovation Hub, a 1.2 million square-foot, state-of-the-art research and development area. The site will become home to a state-of-the-art facility to be built for studying renewable energy, solar energy, alternative energy sources, biotechnology, nanotechnology, green technology and other programs.

The $1 million gift from John D. Backe will establish the "Backe Chair in Renewable Energy Endowed Fund" to attract a nationally renowned Eminent Scholar dedicated to the study of renewable energy. FGCU will ask the state of Florida to match the funds for an additional $750,000 to create a total of $1.7 million fund.

This website serves as the key point of contact for all news, inquiries and updates related to the creation of the Innovation Hub.

For information regarding development & construction, community relations and inquiries into becoming a corporate partner in the FGCU Innovation Hub, please contact Rich Galvano, CCIM, of Galvano Development, LLC at 239-498-0000 (office) or 941-822-9585 (cell).

The research park will be located on 241 acres adjacent to and on the south side of Southwest Florida International Airport, and near FGCU's main campus and Gulf Coast Town Shopping Center. The location of the proposed facility literally serves as a "hub" to the region.

Read about the FGCU Innovation Hub in the January 2010 issue of Gulfshore Business magazine