University of South Florida

What University of South Florida does

University of South Florida (USF) is a public, AAU-member research university founded in 1956 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with regional campuses in St. Petersburg and (until July 2026) Sarasota-Manatee. It serves approximately 50,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing-education programs delivered via on-campus, online, and hybrid channels. Core offerings include the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing (~3,000 students, scaling to 5,000 by 2027), USF Health (including the Top 16–ranked Morsani College of Medicine and CAMLS simulation center), the College of Marine Science, the Muma College of Business, and corporate-sponsored biomedical engineering capstones. Research infrastructure spans the Advanced Visualization Center, CAMLS, the Global Virus Network international headquarters, and major federal study platforms such as TEDDY ($69.9M NIH, the largest Type 1 diabetes study of its kind) and PACT (76,000 participants in dementia prevention).

USF's business model combines six revenue streams: tuition and fees (in-state, out-of-state, and graduate tiers), state appropriations via the State University System of Florida, federal research grants (NIH, NSF, DOD) and contracts, healthcare services distributed through Tampa General Hospital and USF Health, private philanthropy (notably the $40M Bellini gift, $10M MacKechnie gift, and a $6M anonymous engineering gift), and athletics revenue anchored by a $348.5M on-campus stadium opening in fall 2027. The university pursues a multi-channel GTM: direct-to-consumer admissions for students, event-driven athletics recruitment and branding, sales-led research outreach to federal agencies and corporate sponsors, and partnership-driven workforce development (e.g., free InfoSec certificates for veterans/first responders). It has produced $750M in research funding in 2025, is ranked #43 among U.S. public universities and #12 best value, and holds 42 graduate programs in the national top 100. Technology differentiation includes the PanPep AI framework (published in Nature Machine Intelligence for immune-response prediction), the SCOPE-PD Parkinson's model (98.66% accuracy), an AR-based physics education platform, and AI-driven spinal implant validation (Nivalon Medical) — anchored by a $5M NSF Honu Hub solar-wastewater recycling grant and an $85M U.S. Army / $85M SOCOM defense pipeline.

Name

University of South Florida

Legal name

University of South Florida

Website

https://usf.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

University of South Florida is a public, AAU-member research university in Tampa serving ~50,000 students across degree, healthcare, and workforce programs, with $750M in annual research funding and the Bellini College of AI.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Research University Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems (EDAHAAAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Research Universities with Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) (EDAHAAAC), Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools (EDAHAAAF), STEM-Focused Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAE)

Keywords

• Public research university
• Higher education programs
• Academic research services
• Healthcare education training
• Workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: USF generates primary revenue from tuition and fees charged to undergraduate and graduate students. In-state and out-of-state tuition rates apply, with financial aid and scholarships available.
2. State Funding and Appropriations: As a public university, USF receives significant state funding from Florida through performance-based funding models and legislative appropriations.
3. Research Grants and Contracts: USF receives substantial research funding from federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOD) and private foundations. Notable grants include $69.9M NIH grant for TEDDY study on Type 1 diabetes, $20M NSF for coral reef research, $2.8M NIH for PACT dementia study, and $1.5M from ReliaQuest for AI cybersecurity.
4. Healthcare Services Revenue: USF Health generates revenue through clinical services at Tampa General Hospital and other affiliated healthcare facilities, including medical school education and research.
5. Private Philanthropy and Donations: USF receives major donations from individuals and foundations, including $40M from Arnie and Lauren Bellini for the AI college, $10M from Ian and Jean MacKechnie for immunotherapy lab, and $6M anonymous donation to College of Engineering.
6. Athletics Revenue: USF Athletics generates revenue through ticket sales, media rights, sponsorships, and NCAA distributions. Construction of new on-campus stadium indicates investment in athletics program growth.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

University of South Florida is a multi-campus public research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across colleges including the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, USF Health (Morsani College of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health), and Muma College of Business. USF delivers research services funded by federal agencies and industry partners, clinical and medical training through Tampa General Hospital, and workforce development programs for regional employers.

Product overview

The University of South Florida is a multi-campus public research university offering educational programs, research services, and healthcare. Its product portfolio includes degree programs across multiple colleges, research initiatives funded by major grants, healthcare services through USF Health, and specialized facilities. Key offerings include the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing (with three interdisciplinary computing majors), USF Health medical and research programs, the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), marine science research, and corporate-sponsored engineering capstone programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing: One of the first AI colleges in Florida and among few in the nation, established through a $40 million gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini.
• USF Health
• Muma College of Business

Products and services

• Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing Academic college offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computing, with three new interdisciplinary majors (AI+Social Sciences, AI+Business, AI+Criminology) launching in 2026.
• USF Health (Morsani College of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health) Health sciences education and clinical research delivered through Morsani College of Medicine (top 16 nationally), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, and College of Public Health; partnered with Tampa General Hospital for clinical training and immunotherapy research.
• Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) Advanced medical simulation and training center for USF students, faculty, and practicing clinicians; integrates AI-powered surgical imaging into education programs.
• Global Virus Network International Headquarters Headquarters of the Global Virus Network coalition at USF, focused on advancing virology research and pandemic preparedness across 40+ countries.
• Augmented Reality Physics Education Platform Augmented reality educational platform funded by a $300,000 NSF grant that creates six interactive simulations covering core physics topics, with plans to be offered publicly at no cost.
• Corporate-Sponsored Biomedical Engineering Capstone Program Year-long corporate-sponsored senior capstone projects in biomedical engineering where students design medical device prototypes for industry partners such as PainTEQ, Motiva, and Novanta.
• 3D-Printed Oyster Habitats (ORBS) 3D-printed clay oyster habitats installed in honeycomb patterns at living seawalls, where oysters filter water and improve ecosystem health as part of Tampa Bay restoration.
• InfoSec Governance, Risk and Compliance Analyst Certificate Professional certificate program in information security GRC, with free enrollment for military veterans, first responders, and public-sector professionals to address Florida's cybersecurity workforce shortage.
• Online and Distance Learning Programs Online degree programs and courses with multiple delivery modes (all online, primarily distance, hybrid blend) available to students globally with a $30/credit online course fee.
• USF Athletics Program Intercollegiate athletics program (USF Bulls) generating revenue through ticket sales, media rights, sponsorships, and NCAA distributions; supported by a new $348.5M on-campus stadium opening fall 2027.
• Interdisciplinary Computing Majors (AI+Social Sciences, AI+Business, AI+Criminology) Three new interdisciplinary computing majors within the Bellini College that pair computer science and AI with social sciences, business, and criminology under a hub-and-spoke model.
• Voice AI Summer School USF summer school training students to use voice as a biomarker for detecting neurological, respiratory, and psychiatric diseases, teaching processing of voice audio and identification of acoustic features like hoarseness or tremor.

Quantifiable outcome

• USF ranked #43 among all public universities nationally
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability17 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Tampa General HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2026Tampa General Hospital and USF Health partnership for immunotherapy research. $10M donation from Ian and Jean MacKechnie established Ian & Jean MacKechnie Immunotherapy Lab in USF Health building. GE HealthCare Allia Moveo surgical imaging system installed at CAMLS.
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2026HSI Tampa and Miami field offices signed MOU with USF's Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Lab to adopt BRIGHT Project technology connecting trafficking victims with organizations and resources. Partnership aims to strengthen victim identification and coordination.
• GEICOminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 May 2026GEICO opened new 190,000 sq ft Tampa campus creating 1,500 jobs. Partnership with USF and University of Tampa for talent recruitment as part of broader national growth strategy.
• PainTEQ, Motiva, NovantaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2026Corporate sponsors for USF biomedical engineering senior capstone projects. Students completed year-long design projects including bone marrow healing device, fat-purification system, and surgical tool-tracking software. Program is workforce pipeline for Tampa medtech hub.
• By Light Professional IT ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2026Strategic partnership to develop trustworthy AI systems for national security applications. Focuses on AI assurance using mathematical formal methods to validate AI behavior in high-stakes environments like automated target recognition and autonomous systems.
• Sunshine HealthminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2026Sunshine Health Works workforce development program trained nearly 1,900 individuals across Florida. Partnership provides healthcare certifications and specialized programs to address labor shortages and support career pathways for Medicaid members.
• Global Virus NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026Global Virus Network opened its international headquarters at USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation. Coalition comprises over 90 Centers of Excellence across 40+ countries. Focuses on viral research and pandemic preparedness. Co-founded by Dr. Robert Gallo, HIV co-discoverer.
• Mastry's Brewing Co.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Partnership to create first USF-branded beer (St. Pete Pilsner) through USF's Brewing Arts program. USF alumnus helped create recipe, students designed label. Portion of proceeds support the Brewing Arts program for craft brewing careers.
• ARK Innovation CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025USF Institute of Applied Engineering partnership with ARK Innovation Center to support local startups and defense-related projects. Provides access to funding, research, and industry connections including $85M U.S. Army contract and $85M SOCOM contract.
• University of Michigan, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Weill Cornell MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025NIH-funded Multimodal AI for Type 1 Diabetes (MAI-T1D) project led by USF Health. Collaborative involves 25+ scientists using AI to analyze genetics, proteins, and cellular data to understand T1D development and potentially prevent or delay the disease.
• Florida High Tech CorridorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2025Partnership to support startups working on advanced technologies through the ARK Innovation Center in St. Petersburg. Aims to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs, providing research, R&D partnerships, and internship opportunities.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Florida International University (FIU): FIU is a large public research university in Florida that competes for state funding, federal grants, and minority-serving institution designations. It has comparable scale and a similar emerging-research profile to USF.
• University of North Florida (UNF): UNF is a Florida public university in the same State University System. It is a direct peer in size and Carnegie tier and is institutionally linked to USF through incoming President Limayem, who previously served as UNF president.
• University of Central Florida (UCF): UCF is the most directly comparable peer: a large Florida public research university with similar enrollment scale, AAU aspiration trajectory, multi-campus structure, STEM-focused expansion, and competition for the same state funding pool, federal grants, and Tampa/Orlando corporate partnerships.
• University of Florida (UF): UF is Florida's flagship AAU public research university and the most direct competitor for federal research funding, faculty recruitment, top-student enrollment, and statewide appropriations. Both compete in the same State University System of Florida.
• Florida State University (FSU): FSU is another major Florida public research university competing for the same state appropriations, federal research dollars, top faculty, and high-achieving in-state students, with comparable Carnegie classification and graduate program breadth.

Regional players

• University of Miami: University of Miami is a private Florida research university that competes with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine for clinical talent, research grants, and the South Florida academic medicine market — though as a private institution, it sits outside the State University System.
• Texas Tech University: Texas Tech is a peer large public research university outside Florida with comparable scale, medical school, and a multi-campus footprint — useful as a benchmark for similar-tier emerging research universities pursuing AAU recognition.

Broad incumbents

• Georgia State University: Georgia State is a large urban public research university with comparable scale, student demographic mix, and urban/metropolitan research positioning — useful as a benchmark for non-Florida Carnegie-class peers at similar scale.
• University of South Carolina: University of South Carolina is a public research university with a top-tier medical school (institutionally comparable to USF Health Morsani), AAU status pursuit, and similar mix of state appropriations and federal research funding.
• Arizona State University (ASU): ASU is a comparable large, multi-campus public research university with a national reputation for innovation in online learning, workforce development, and corporate partnerships (e.g., ReliaQuest, GEICO) — analogous to USF's Bellini College and partnership model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/USouthFlorida
• YouTubeyoutube.com/usfchannel
• Facebookfacebook.com/USouthFlorida
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/usouthflorida
• Instagraminstagram.com/usouthflorida

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds15 records

Investors11 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of South Florida