Science and Technology

The St. Lucie County economy is rapidly transitioning into a new knowledge based economy focusing on marine, biomedical and agribusiness technology. The county is home to several universities and research institutions working in the areas of agriculture, aquaculture, food technology, oceanography and marine science, natural resource management, medical technology and business.

The county currently boasts more than 100 Ph.D. research scientists who have been linked under the umbrella of the St. Lucie Research and Education Coalition fostering new collaborations in research and technology.

The County's new 1,600 acre Research and Education Park is in development. The site is presently occupied by the state-of-the-art USDA-ARS National Horticulture Laboratory, the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center, the USDA-NRCS Office, and County Cooperative Extension Service.

Located nearby are the prestigious Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Smithsonian Marine Research Station, both with numerous programs in the marine sciences. UF and FAU both have 2+2 four-year degree programs with Indian River Community College, the best community college in America! Scientists at all the institutions have become adjunct faculty at FAU and are developing new interdisciplinary degree and research programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Internet II technology has linked all institutions into a virtual campus, furthering the opportunities for students, public-private research partnerships, and the transferring of technologies to new and existing businesses. FAU and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute house the Center of Excellence.

Technical assistance is available to facilitate development of cooperative projects between our researchers and your company. For more information, please contact the St. Lucie County Economic Development office at (772) 871-5417 or email dauml@stlucieco.gov.