Our Mission
The mission of the Leon County Research and Development Authority, in collaboration with local government, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College, is to foster the startup, growth, and attraction of private companies that create high-wage jobs and contribute to our region’s innovation ecosystem.
Two major universities, matchless resources, powerful community collaboration and one-of-a-kind programs and support equals dynamic startups, emerging technologies, world-class research and pioneering businesses that are equipped to innovate and push the envelope into life-changing discoveries.
Innovation Park of Tallahassee currently boasts more than 1 million square feet of space in 17 buildings, housing over 30 organizations ranging from preeminent university research facilities to specialty manufacturing companies and state and federal government research spaces. The operations of organizations located in Innovation Park must align with or support the park’s mission to promote the region’s research and development assets and foster the attraction, startup and growth of private innovative companies that create high-wage jobs in Leon County and the region.
Our History
Established by Florida Statute in 1978, the Leon County Research and Development Authority (LCRDA) is the governing body for Innovation Park: the premier research and development park in the Tallahassee/Leon County area and North Florida region.
Our Beginnings
Innovation Park is the inspiration of the LCRDA; a 208-acre center in southwest Tallahassee. The park – set on grounds of rolling hills, towering live oaks and tranquil, spring-fed lakes – is conveniently located near Florida State University, Florida A&M University, the state capitol and government facilities and the Tallahassee International Airport.
Innovation Park opened for business in 1982 and welcomed its first tenant shortly after, the Northwest Regional Data Center, which is Florida’s leading data provider for educational and governmental communities. The NWRDC is still a park tenant today.
Our Growth
The 1990s’ brought an important shift in focus: a vision for a premier research facility that would build and operate the world’s most powerful magnets. Florida State University, along with the University of Florida and Los Alamos National Laboratory, won the bid to house the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. The MagLab, funded by the National Science Foundation and the State of Florida, was dedicated in 1994 at Innovation Park. The MagLab is the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world, and the only facility of its kind in the United States.
Since the National MagLab’s arrival, the park has grown to become an innovation hub for magnetics, aero-propulsion, materials, energy, health and life sciences.
In 2006 Danfoss Turbocor – the pioneer and market leader for oil-free centrifugal compressors – moved here from Montreal, Canada to be near the park’s unique resources. The company has since expanded its plant by nearly 45,000 square feet and includes an application development center.
The park has grown to include 17 buildings and more than 30 organizations. It currently is home to 13 Centers of Excellence, which are setting precedents in their industries. Innovation Park fosters a dynamic and collaborative community with many private companies, including those on the Fortune 500, that have come so they can use the unique resources not found anywhere else in the world.
Our Present and Future
Fast Forward: The park has no plans to slow down. It has plenty of room for expansion and development, including the recent construction of an incubator/ business accelerator, newly renovated office and wet lab space, and other mixed-use projects.
Innovation Park’s future is bright. With the matchless resources and opportunities to grow, our residents are equipped to innovate and continue to push the envelope of life-changing discoveries.
The Leon County Research and Development Authority oversees Innovation Park
and works in highly valued partnerships with higher education institutions, as well as
with government and private sector representatives, to guide the growth and development of the Park.