WaVE startup series kicks off

TAMPA — Tampa Bay WaVE, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into technology ventures, is accepting applications for its FirstWaVE Accelerator program.

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 1. The inaugural FirstWaVE class will be announced Feb. 8. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be required to attend a full-day Tech Venture Bootcamp Feb. 14, according to a release.

In September, a regional partnership led by Tampa Bay WaVE and the University of South Florida received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to support early-stage technology ventures. The grant proceeds will be used to help launch 80 Florida-based technology startups and create hundreds of high-wage jobs through the creation of the FirstWaVE Accelerator and the FirstWaVE Venture Center.