Drone Defense Tech Company Orion Edge Relocates to Tampa, Florida

Tampa's Growing Defense Technology Hub

• 💡 Tampa is emerging as a significant center for the development of new battlefield technology, attracting companies like Orion Edge.
• 🎯 The Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa highlights the innovation and collaboration within the defense sector.

Orion Edge's Relocation and Mission

• 🚀 John Mueller, CEO of Orion Edge, moved his company from Colorado to Tampa, citing a favorable business environment and proximity to key military customers.
• 🛰️ Orion Edge specializes in creating high-tech devices designed to jam enemy drones and disrupt their communications.
• 📍 The company's presence in Tampa supports the Special Operations Command at McDill Air Force Base and addresses the growing threat of adversary drones.

Economic Development and Local Talent

• 📈 Local economic development officials are actively promoting Tampa as a defense industry hub, emphasizing the presence of military assets like McDill and SOCOM.
• 💰 The low cost of doing business in Florida is a key factor attracting companies to the region.
• 🎓 The Bellini College of Cyber Security and AI at USF is fostering local engineering talent, with Orion Edge hiring graduates directly from the university.
• 👥 Orion Edge plans to hire 20-25 local engineers initially, with further expansion into finance and administrative roles.
• 🌟 The trend of individuals and companies choosing Florida, and specifically Tampa, for defense-related business is expected to increase significantly.