About this programme
The Bull Ring Accelerator Grant (BRAG) is a grant program run by USF Research & Innovation at the University of South Florida. It is aimed at early-stage technology companies inside USF's entrepreneurial ecosystem, specifically startups affiliated with the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator (TBTI) and formed on the basis of licensed USF technology.
The stated purpose of BRAG is to help these startups bridge what USF calls the 'valley' or 'ditch' of death: the funding gap that early-stage technology companies hit when they move from concept toward a market-ready product.
TBTI, the incubator BRAG companies must be affiliated with, is managed by USF CONNECT alongside the Evolve Accelerator and the Student Innovation Incubator (SII). TBTI is based at 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 165, Tampa, FL 33612, and gives resident companies fully furnished private and semi-private offices, high-speed internet and secure network access, 24/7 keycard building access, flexible lease terms for early-stage companies, conference rooms, co-working space, four boardrooms, mentoring rooms, wet labs for biotech and life sciences, dry labs for engineering and prototyping, and shared lab equipment such as autoclaves, fume hoods and biosafety cabinets, along with mentorship, industry connections, networking, and funding and commercialization support.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a startup affiliated with the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and formed on the basis of technology licensed from USF.
Frequently asked
Who can apply for a BRAG grant?
Startups affiliated with the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator that were formed on the basis of licensed USF technology.
How much does BRAG provide?
Up to $25,000 per grant.
What is the money meant to be used for?
USF describes it as helping early-stage technology companies bridge the funding gap between concept and market viability, sometimes called the 'valley of death.'
What does the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator provide besides the grant itself?
Fully furnished office and lab space (including wet and dry labs), 24/7 secure building access, shared lab equipment, mentorship, industry connections, and funding and commercialization support.
Who do I contact about BRAG or TBTI?
USF Research at contact@research.usf.edu or 813-974-5570.
More funding in Florida
BBIF Florida Small Business Loans
BBIF Florida · Florida
A certified CDFI offers microloans, small business loans, contractor financing and commercial real estate loans to Florida businesses that can't get conventional bank financing.
Corridor Early-Stage Innovation Fund
Florida High Tech Corridor, via USF Research & Innovation · Florida
USF researchers can get up to $25,000 to advance early-stage innovations toward commercialization or startup formation.
Florida First Check
The Florida Institute (Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research) and Florida Funders · Florida
An evergreen pre-seed fund gives Florida's earliest-stage tech founders a first check of $75,000 to $100,000 plus company-building support.
Florida Job Growth Grant Fund
FloridaCommerce (Florida Department of Commerce), Executive Office of the Governor · Florida
Florida's public infrastructure and workforce-training fund, awarded to local governments and colleges rather than businesses directly, chosen by the Governor from FloridaCommerce-reviewed proposals.
Florida Recycling Loan Program
Florida First Capital Finance Corporation · Florida
Low-cost fixed-rate loans of $20,000 to $300,000 help small Florida recyclers and recycled-material manufacturers buy or refinance equipment.
Florida State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
FloridaCommerce, with Florida Opportunity Fund and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation · Florida
Five state-backed financing tools (loan guarantees, collateral support, loan participation, capital access) help Florida small businesses borrow through participating private lenders.
All 15 programmes in Florida →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.