Three UCF Business Incubation Clients Named to Semi-finals of Cade Prize

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Orlando, Fla. (March 19, 2019) – The Cade Prize is known as one of the top contests recognizing innovation in Florida. The program receives hundreds of applicants from across Florida to be named one of the leaders in innovative inventions.

This year, three UCF Business Incubation Program clients, all located at the Research Park Incubator, have been named as semi-finalists as a top 16 company. They are:

  • Capacitech, which has developed a method of increasing energy storage through cable-based capacitors,
  • Nano Discovery, which develops, manufactures and sells bioassay products and diagnostic tests for infectious diseases control and health management, and
  • Thor ORE, which has developed a system to extract rare earth elements and precious metals in one step in the mining process.

“It is remarkable to be recognized at this level for the innovation our incubation companies are developing here at the University of Central Florida,” says Carol Ann Dykes Logue, site manager, UCF Business Incubator – Research Park. “These three companies are leaders in their fields, using technology to improve industries.”

This is the second time in the Sweet 16 for Nano Discovery. The company made the final four in 2012. Other UCF Business Incubation Program clients to reach this level are Hesperos, Feynman Nano, Hycarb, Rehoboth and I Media Reach.

The next step in the process is for the Cade Prize to narrow the finalists to four innovators, with the top company winning $25,000.

The Cade Prize was started in 201o by Gainesville’s Cade Museum to recognize Florida companies and individuals who are innovating. Judges review applications based on the following criteria:

  • How innovative is the idea?
  • What is the potential impact if the idea becomes successful?
  • Does the invention have market credibility?
  • What is the overall strength of team?

Each of the 16 companies will participate in the Sweet 16 Expo on April 10 at the Cade Museum. The winners will be named at the Inventivity Bash on May 10.

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For more information media should contact –

UCF Business Incubation Program: Carol Ann Dykes Logue, 407-635-9882, carolann.dykeslogue@ucf.edu or Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com 

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has helped over 390 local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources.

With seven facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties, and the cities of Apopka, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. For the 2016/17 and 2017 /18 fiscal years, the activities of these participating firms have helped sustain more than 6,275 local jobs and have had a cumulative impact of more than $888 million on regional GDP and more than $1.59 billion on regional sales. During the same period, the program has returned $12.03 for every $1 invested in the program. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu