TAMPA – Tampa Bay Wave named Moez Limayem, president of the University of South Florida, as its 2026 Tampa Bay Tech Legend for his leadership and impact on the region’s innovation economy.
Limayem will receive the honor during Tampa Bay Wave’s annual Hall of Fame Awards Celebration on Dec. 10 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa. The event recognizes the entrepreneurs, investors, executives and community leaders helping shape the future of technology and innovation across the region.
“Dr. Limayem represents the kind of leadership that helps an innovation ecosystem grow stronger and more connected,” said Linda Olson, CEO and founder of Tampa Bay Wave. “By bringing together talent, research, entrepreneurship and opportunity, higher education plays an essential role in Tampa Bay’s continued growth.”
Limayem said it was an honor to join past winners such as former ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini and Think Big for Kids founder Tony DiBenedetto.
“At USF, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to educate future innovators as well as conduct research that changes lives,” Limayem said. “Best of all, we get to work alongside extraordinary partners in a growing, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. I am proud to share this recognition with the hard-working faculty, staff and partners, who make this work possible.”
Olson believes continued collaboration among universities, founders, investors, businesses and community leaders will help Tampa Bay realize opportunity ahead in the innovation economy.
“Dr. Limayem understands the power of those connections and the role institutions like USF can play in shaping what comes next,” she said.
Tampa Bay Wave provides entrepreneurs with access to the resources and capital needed to grow vibrant technology-based companies. Visit https://www.tampabaywave.org/events100/hall-of-fame/ for details about tickets and sponsorships for the Hall of Fame Awards Celebration.
