About IGNITE Tallahassee
IGNITE is an entrepreneur support program at Florida State University. Our program is designed to grow new technology ventures through business development expertise, an expansive community network, top-of-the-line facilities, and access funding sources.
IGNITE Staff
Alissa Martinez Costabile, MBA
Ignite Program Director
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
(850) 644-1528
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acostabile@fsu.edu
MBA, University of South Florida
BA, History, University of Florida
Alissa joined FSU as the program director for IGNITE, an economic development initiative focused on growing high-technology ventures and translational research opportunities. She oversees incubator programming, client growth & services, and advocates for an innovative and entrepreneurial culture within Tallahassee. Prior to joining FSU, Alissa was assistant program director for the University of South Florida’s USF CONNECT program, which includes the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator and Student Innovation Incubator. Her efforts elevated USF’s incubation program to incubate around 75 companies each year, create hundreds of jobs, and contribute to over $535M in economic impact for the state of Florida. Alissa also oversaw new market expansion efforts and process improvement projects as a program manager for the AdventHealth Research Institute, a preeminent clinical research institution. She previously worked in corporate and tax law as a Florida Registered Paralegal to the senior partner and his associate at Owens Law Group, P.A.
Alissa holds two USF graduate certificates in Project Management and Creativity & Innovation and is also a certified Entrepreneurship Center Manager (InBIA), WKI Certified Coach (Wendy Kennedy Institute), and Mentor Program Manager (WeLoveMentors).
Brad Minton, MBA
Ignite Laboratory Manager
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
(850) 645-5449
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bminton@fsu.edu
MBA, Nichols College
BSBA, BSITM, Nichols College
Brad joined FSU as the laboratory manager for IGNITE to oversee lab operations and safety at the IGNITE Tallahassee facility. He has over seven years of manufacturing experience with biotech and defense companies (General Dynamics Land Systems, Thermofischer, Sanofi), and played a key role in managing projects, product development, and supervising teams. Brad also served as biosafety officer for the Florida manufacturing division at Thermofischer. He has expertise working with scientists to upscale medication and drug manufacturing ranging from feasibility stage to clinical trials to commercial drugs. Brad works with IGNITE clients to ensure feasibility and safety of their research and technologies. He focuses on providing the tools and resources necessary for client success while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high standards in laboratory operations.