NEW WORLD AND UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ESTABLISH STRATEGIC COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE SPACE AND DEFENSE INNOVATION
Orlando, Florida – June 24, 2026 – New World Angels (NWA), Florida's leading angel investor organizations, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for collaboration to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization across the rapidly growing space and defense sectors.
The agreement was announced during Stakeholder Day at the Florida Aerospace Partner Workshop hosted by Space Florida and UCF in downtown Orlando.
The collaboration is designed to strengthen connections among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and government stakeholders while accelerating the development and commercialization of technologies emerging from Florida's innovation ecosystem.
Under the MOU, New World Angels and UCF will explore opportunities to:
• Support the growth and commercialization of emerging space and defense technologies;
• Connect entrepreneurs and university-affiliated innovators with experienced investors and mentors;
• Facilitate educational programming, workshops, and networking opportunities;
• Promote collaboration among academia, industry, government, and capital providers;
• Strengthen Florida's position as a national leader in aerospace, defense, and dual-use innovation.
"Florida is uniquely positioned to become one of the world's premier centers for space and defense innovation," said Richard Greco, Co-Chair of New World Angels Space & Defense Ventures. "This collaboration brings together world-class research, entrepreneurial talent, and access to investment capital. Our goal is to help promising technologies move more rapidly from the laboratory to the marketplace while creating economic growth and strategic capability for Florida and the nation."
"UCF has long been committed to a robust innovation ecosystem that supports researchers and entrepreneurs developing transformative technologies,” said Winston V. Schoenfeld, UCF’s Vice President for Research and Innovation. “The partnership with New World Angels will be invaluable as we create pathways that connect academia, industry and government through expert mentorship and investment opportunities, leading to breakthroughs that will shape the future.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation-driven economic development and expanding opportunities for startups operating in aerospace, defense, advanced communications, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and other strategically important technology sectors.
As Florida continues to attract significant public and private investment in aerospace and defense, the collaboration seeks to create a stronger bridge between research institutions, investors, and emerging companies capable of delivering next-generation capabilities.
About the University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is one of the nation's largest universities and a recognized leader in research, innovation, workforce development, and technology commercialization. Located in the heart of Florida's aerospace corridor, UCF serves as a key driver of innovation supporting the state's growing space and defense economy.
About New World Angels
New World Angels is a Florida-based angel investment organization of experienced entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who provide capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance to early-stage companies with high-growth potential.
Getting Funded
Founders seeking the support of the combined organization can apply for funding at https://www.newworldangels.com
Investing With Us
Investors seeking to collaborate in our investing can contact Managing Director Jessica Miley at jessica@newworldangels.com
Media Contacts:
New World Angels: Jessica Miley, Managing Director — jessica@newworldangels.com
UCF: Margot Winick, Director of Media Relations — Margot.Winick@ucf.edu