What's Happening in Lakeland, FL…

Grants have been made available for high-tech Polk County companies, including those in Lakeland.

Eligible companies can use the grants to fund further work on technology, ready for the market.

The Heathrow-based High Tech Florida Corridor Council made a statement about the grants. It is issuing them after trade group in the manufacturing industry FloridaMakes donated $500,000. The University of Central Florida has a research program that matches grant money, so the funds went to the institution.

The University of Florida, The University of Central Florida, and the University of South Florida developed the council as an initiative for economic development. It serves the companies creating high-tech manufacturing within the 23 counties next to Interstate 4.

According to FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr, working with the Matching Grants program is a logical continuation of efforts already in place to aid businesses in being more efficient through technology. He adds that if the organization makes top university researchers more available, more businesses can compete and maintain the state's strong economy in manufacturing.

The Corridor Council was founded in 1996 and has made an economic impact of $1bn across the region. The council and over 425 companies have invested over $200m. President Ed Schons said the council's work with FloridaMakes is made to assist businesses in staying competitive and encourage student researchers at the graduate level who are ready to bring advancements to the field.

Graduate students often make Blueprints of ideas for new technology using graphic design software.

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