February 27, 2025

Tampa Bay’s innovation ecosystem just took a significant leap onto the global stage! We’re thrilled to announce that Tampa Bay Wave has officially partnered with the University of East London (UEL) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 20, 2025. Wave was honored to host a group of individuals representing UEL at our Downtown Tampa office to make this partnership official, and partake in a critical discussion about how to maximize the impact of this partnership. 

Building Bridges Across the Atlantic

This exciting collaboration establishes a strategic partnership between two dynamic innovation hubs, creating new pathways for startups, mentors, and innovators to thrive both in Tampa Bay and abroad. The partnership will facilitate international business growth by providing startups with soft-landing opportunities, mentorship networks, and access to new markets on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dr. Richard Munassi, Director at Tampa Bay Wave, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This MOU between Tampa Bay Wave and the University of East London represents a significant step forward in our mission to continue to elevate Tampa Bay’s fast moving technology and innovation ecosystem. Together the Wave and UEL are creating new pathways for entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive in our region and abroad.”

Expanding Global Opportunities

The collaboration comes at a perfect time as Tampa Bay’s technology scene continues to flourish. By connecting with UEL—a forward-thinking institution serving over 25,000 students from 156 different nationalities—Wave startups will gain access to one of Europe’s most diverse and dynamic innovation communities.

Professor Paul Marshall, Vice President Global and Pro-Vice Chancellor at UEL, shared his enthusiasm: “This partnership with Tampa Bay Wave exemplifies the University of East London’s commitment to fostering global innovation and entrepreneurship. By creating transatlantic opportunities for startups, mentors, and innovators, we are building a bridge between two dynamic ecosystems, empowering entrepreneurs to scale and thrive in new markets.”

What This Means for Founders

For founders in the Tampa Bay Wave community, this partnership opens doors to:

• New market entry opportunities in the United Kingdom
• Access to UEL’s diverse talent pool and research facilities
• Expanded mentorship networks across both ecosystems
• Joint accelerator programs and collaborative initiatives
• Potential research partnerships and funding opportunities

Linda Olson, Tampa Bay Wave CEO and President, noted: “Historically we have seen tremendously talented founders enter our program from the UK, and a high level of interest from our US founders to bring their solutions to the United Kingdom as well. With this partnership we are facilitating pathways for the brightest and best in technology to bring their innovations both to the Tampa Bay region from the UK and vice versa.”

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, Tampa Bay Wave and UEL will discuss developing joint accelerator programs, research collaborations, and mentorship opportunities that will drive innovation across multiple industries. This partnership represents an important milestone in Tampa Bay Wave’s mission to create a globally connected innovation ecosystem that empowers startups to scale and succeed.

Stay tuned for more updates as we begin rolling out new initiatives with our partners at the University of East London!