The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program has been ranked the top business incubator in Florida and 17th nationally on Time magazine’s inaugural list of America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators.
The 2026 ranking, developed with research firm Statista, evaluated 80 programs nationwide based on alumni feedback, company performance and recommendations from investors, entrepreneurs and other business experts.
UCF said its program was the highest-ranked Florida organization on the list and the highest-ranked program nationally focused entirely on traditional business incubation. Unlike many accelerators, which generally operate short-term, cohort-based programs, traditional incubators typically provide companies with support over longer periods.
“This recognition reflects more than the work of our team; it reflects the success of every entrepreneur, mentor, community partner, investor and local government that has helped build Central Florida’s innovation ecosystem over the past 27 years,” says Rafael Caamano, interim director of UCF Innovation Districts and the UCF Business Incubator. “We’re honored that Time magazine has recognized what our region has known for years: when universities, industry and community partners work together, extraordinary companies can be built.”
The recognition comes as UCF points to continued growth among companies participating in the program. In 2025, more than 100 client companies collectively employed more than 600 full- and part-time workers, secured more than $78 million in contracts and attracted nearly $35 million in investment.
The program operates across seven locations in Central Florida and works with local governments including Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties, as well as Orlando, Kissimmee and Eustis.
UCF’s incubator provides entrepreneurs with business-development assistance, mentorship, networking opportunities and other resources aimed at helping early-stage companies establish and expand their operations.
Time released the rankings this week as its first national assessment of business incubators and accelerators.
