USF, Mote Marine win federal grant

The University of South Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory both won a $2 million federal grant for small business generation. The U.S. Department of Commerce grant expands the USF Connect program to the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, supporting a test-bed and business innovation facility stemming from Mote’s programs in sustainable energy and protein for food production, according to a press release. Mote’s inland building in Sarasota applies water management principles in farm raising fish protein.

The marine aquaculture facility is 200 acres and represents a $23 million investment in research into seafood farming. USF and Mote signed an agreement last year for new science ventures and economic development opportunities. USF Connect delivers business development services and provides resources such as technology transfer, financing, marketing and business incubation.