UCF grads turn seaweed into tech at Lake Nona materials lab

Lake Nona-based startup Soarce is transforming natural materials like seaweed and plant cellulose into high-performance, sustainable alternatives for industries ranging from construction to aerospace. Founded by UCF graduates Derek Staltzman and Mason Mincey, the Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees continue to innovate from Lake Nona, where support from Tavistock’s incubator program has helped fuel their growth and position Central Florida as a hub for next-generation materials science and advanced manufacturing.