Leading the nation in tourism and
Photonics Technology
Orlando has a uniquely competitive position for optics and photonics companies due to its longstanding history in aerospace technology and manufacturing. The region’s assets like the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics & Photonics (CREOL) and Central Florida Research Park give these companies a competitive advantage compared to other locations around the world.
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10,000 Annual Graduates in Related Fields
IPEDS via Lightcast, 2021
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19% Employment Growth, 2018-2023
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via Lightcast
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60,000+ Relevant Workers including Electrical Engineers, Semiconductor Processors and Other Related Functions
7-County Region, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via Lightcast, Q4 2022
The home of happiness
Featured Optics & Photonics Companies
From innovation and initial concepts to manufacturing the final product, Orlando’s ecosystem of talent and attractive cost of doing business supports a thriving cluster of companies developing semiconductors, microelectronics and optics and photonics technology.
FARO Technologies
FARO Technologies
Company: FARO Technologies
Photon-X
Photon-X
L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies
Lightpath Technologies
Lightpath Technologies
Luminar Technologies
Luminar Technologies
Company: Luminar Technologies
Industry: Electronics
Company Size (Employees): 100-500
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman
Ocean Insight
Ocean Insight
Company: Ocean Insight
Industry: Optics and Photonics
Company Size (Employees): 100-500
Visit WebsiteOptiGrate
OptiGrate
Company: OptiGrate
Industry: Optics and Photonics
Company Size (Employees): 0-50
"Orlando is one of only four major optics & photonics clusters in the U.S. It’s like a Silicon Valley here in Orlando focused on optics and photonics technology."
– Steve Buckley, Ph.D., General Manager at Ocean Insight
Serving Up Savings like Sunshine
An Orlando location just makes cents when you add up the affordable industrial market, lack of state income tax, and overall business-friendly climate. Both office and industrial space in Orlando is significantly cheaper than other major metropolitan areas.
Thanks to millions of visitors each year, Orlando’s cultural amenities and accessibility are on par with some of the biggest cities around the world – plus, an affordable cost of living translates into costs savings for your business when it comes to hiring top talent.
For every one graduate from the Orlando region there are 11 regional jobs.
Compare to the San Francisco region – there is one graduate for every 30 jobs.
BREADTH OF EXPERIENCE, LESS COMPETITION
Specialized Workforce
Lockheed Martin was taking advantage of Orlando’s specialized tech talent pool well before Disney arrived, and cluster of aerospace that has developed in proximity to the Space Coast has attributed to the region’s top STEM and manufacturing job growth (Forbes). Large companies including Northrop Grumman, Mitsubishi Power and Siemens have brought advanced manufacturing jobs to the Orlando area, steadily growing its robust engineering and tech talent pool. Orlando possesses a high concentration of talented employees with the education and experience necessary to meet the skill needs of the region’s companies.
It’s a Smart world
After All
From industry partnerships at the K-12 level to nationally recognized university programs, companies find the talent they need in Orlando without facing the fierce competition their peers encounter in other cities.
University of Central Florida
A world leader in education, research and industrial partnership.
The College of Optics & Photonics (CREOL)
Valencia College
The most accelerated optics photonics training program in the country taught by multiple subject matter experts from the local employer community.
Precision Optics, Photonics & Fiber Optics Technician Training Program
Center for Lasers and Fiber Optics Education
Trains students across the United States to become laser and fiber optic technicians and partners with 34 colleges and more than 250 companies.
Program led by Indian River State College
Wekiwa High School
Offers a dual-degree program in partnership with Orange County Public Schools, Valencia Community College and Northrup Grumman Laser Systems.
Laser Photonics Academy
BUILD OR RENT YOUR CASTLE
Featured Properties
Orlando is a cost-effective location, whether you plan to build, buy or lease.
Central Florida Research Park
The Central Florida Research Park is a campus-like environment for business, located adjacent to the University of Central Florida. Businesses that desire a “university relationship” can purchase land in the Research Park on which to construct a facility or can lease space for office, office/lab or light manufacturing uses.
NeoCity
Way beyond a traditional research park, NeoCity is a master-planned mixed-use research and technology district and community. Connected to a regional network of research and educational facilities, recreational amenities and corporate partners through an excellent transportation network, NeoCity is anchored by a versatile and state-of-the-art 200mm microelectronics fabrication facility.
Industry Assets
Orlando’s established industry cluster has grown due to supportive R&D and industry partners and assets.
Connect with a Subject Matter Expert
Get in touch with Casey Evans, Senior Director of Economic Development, to learn more about how Orlando can support your talent and workforce needs.
Call her today: 407.902.2411
Get the Optics & Photonics Guide
Download an overview of Orlando’s optics and photonics sector.
THE ORLANDO YOU ONLY THOUGHT YOU KNEW
Get the Orlando Optics & Photonics Brief
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