Institute for Commercialization of Florida Technology

Executive Director Rafael Lohner leads the Institute's operations and investment activity. The organization was co-founded by Jamie Grooms, who served as CEO through 2016, and David Day, who served as Vice Chair of the Board. The Institute's governance structure includes a board appointed in accordance with its legislative charter.

The Institute's pipeline originates primarily from technology transfer offices at Florida's public universities and research institutions. By legislative design, it accesses inventions and early-stage technologies that have not yet been exposed to commercial venture capital markets. It also sources opportunities through relationships with BioFlorida and the Florida Venture Forum.

It is neither in the conventional sense. The Institute is a nonprofit organization created by the Florida Legislature that operates like a seed-stage commercialization catalyst. It does not raise funds from limited partners, does not charge management fees, and does not distribute profits to external investors. Its capital derives from state appropriations.

The Institute focuses on direct investments and operational support for startup companies rather than making fund commitments to external venture capital managers. Its model is built around company-level engagement, often as the earliest institutional capital in a deal.

The Institute targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies. It typically provides the first institutional capital after grant funding and before a company is ready for a priced venture round. Many of its portfolio companies are pre-revenue.

Sector focus is driven by the research strengths of Florida's universities. The portfolio includes life sciences, medical devices, digital health, enterprise software, AI/ML applications, and clean energy. The Institute does not invest in real estate, consumer brands, or financial services.

The Institute was established by the Florida Legislature in 2007 and receives funding through state appropriations and program-related allocations. It does not operate as a philanthropic foundation with a single-family endowment, nor does it raise capital from institutional LPs.

The Institute does not appear to maintain a public-facing portfolio directory or a dedicated investment website. Its communications are handled through state channels and direct relationships with ecosystem partners like BioFlorida and the Florida Venture Forum, consistent with its quasi-governmental operational structure.