International Soft Landings Program
Be affiliated with a 27x industry and international award program and 1 of only 8 programs in the world chartered by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) as a Global Soft Landings Program for international companies to locate offices and labs in the US.
International Support
What is Soft Landings?
Soft Landings is an international business incubation program that provides support and resources to startups and entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in a new country.
We designed a five-step, quick start commercialization model for accelerating the growth and development of high-performance ventures.
Our Four “Business Building” Entrepreneurial Pillars
Our focus on four seminal entrepreneurial pillars enables this commercialization model to achieve excellent client outcomes.
Community
Access to like-minded people supporting, nurturing and sharing knowledge, networks, experiences and expertise
Competencies
Access to the managerial skills, behaviors, and knowledge to be effective, emotionally intelligent, and adaptive, entrepreneurial leaders and team members
Capital
Access to the continuum of capital sources to fuel the business enterprise including bootstrapping and traditional/non- traditional financial sources
Customers
Access to tools to support, discover, quickly learn and pivot the customer discovery process, validation (product-market fit), business model de-risking and assumptions.
5-Step Commercialization Approach to Graduation
Our Global Geographic Reach:
Best of Breed IP-Backed Ventures
Why Choose Soft Landings?
Choosing Soft Landings means accessing a vast network of entrepreneurs, investors, and business experts who can provide the guidance and resources you need to succeed. Our program offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and establish a presence in the United States.
Why Us?
- Connect to growth resources and industry professionals to build and scale your business venture
- Build community with the best and largest concentration of early-stage companies in North Central Florida
- Gain credibility for you and your venture
You Will Have Access To*:
World-Class Facilities
- Access to shared scientific equipment
- 24/7 access to turnkey office/lab space
Proven Business-Building Programs
- Professional advisors
- Structured mentorship
- Student project assistance
Business Support Assistance
- Service provider expertise (Legal, Accounting, HR, Insurance)
- Access to capital (Angels, VC)
Perks
- Gator 1 Perks & Discounts
- Amazon Web Services
*Based on the program option you select
What Makes Our Facilities and Program Unique?
UF Innovate | Accelerate…
- Anchors Alachua Progress Park District (Sid Martin Biotech) and the Gainesville Innovation District (The Hub)
- Is an eleven-time award winning program demonstrating our commitment to our client’s success and being the best entrepreneurial support organization
- Offers turnkey facilities to give you and your team back time and save you money
- Has a structured business development pathway that provides your venture access to the expertise, resources and network you need when you need it
- Is a team of seasoned business growth professionals, advisors and support staff dedicated to your venture’s success
Key Areas of Support:
Market Research
Local Partnerships
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Talent Sourcing
Capital Access
Application & Admission Process
All 5 steps can be completed in 7 days
Eligibility Requirements:
Incorporation Requirements:
The venture must be a legally recognized entity in its country of origin and must pursue or have completed legal registration in the United States of America (USA) before program entry. If the business is already in operation at the time of application, it should be in good standing within its original jurisdictions and demonstrate intent to comply with local business regulations in the USA.
Founding Team Agreement and Background Checks:
Before program entry, the founding team (including anyone holding more than 20% ownership) must consent to and successfully pass an international background check, adhering to both the legal standards of their home country and the USA. This ensures trustworthiness and credibility, which are crucial for cross-border business operations.
Stage of Business - For Biotech Ventures:
The venture should be actively engaged in R&D or process development. Bio-manufacturing companies and those in the lengthy process of clinical trial enrollments might find limited program support, emphasizing the program’s focus on early to mid-stage development suitable for rapid adaptation and growth in a new market.
Innovation and Unique Proposition:
The venture must demonstrate an innovative approach (novel, useful,valuable) or a unique proprietary advantage in its business model. Innovations that offer solutions that are faster, cheaper, better, smarter, or more straightforward than existing solutions in the USA market are encouraged. This criterion supports the program’s aim to foster unique value propositions that can thrive internationally.
Business Model Viability
For non-bio ventures, an efficient capital business model is necessary. Bio ventures must show they have adequate cash, are cash flow neutral, or have access to funding to ensure uninterrupted operations for a minimum of six months after entry into the new market. This ensures the venture’s sustainability and potential for growth in a foreign market.
Growth Potential and Commercialization:
The venture must demonstrate high growth potential and a clear path to commercialization. It should not operate as a lifestyle company or service-only lab. Ventures should have solid plans for tangible commercialization and market entry, moving beyond grants or initial research funding to create scalable, market-driven solutions.
Hear from our Clients
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UF Innovate | Accelerate’s Impact by the Numbers
Snapshot of Our Innovation Ecosystem
Generated in Private Investment
Startups Launched by UF Innovate | Accelerate
Direct Jobs Created by UF Innovate | Accelerate Startups
