Florida is gearing up for a vibrant display of deep tech innovation as it prepares to host two significant deep tech summits in the coming months, seeking to explore opportunities in dual-use technology.
The eMerge Deep Tech Summit, announced by eMerge Americas, will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from April 22-24 next year, coinciding with its well-known annual conference. This summit, created in partnership with Emerging Tech Events, aims to bring together over 2,000 leaders in deep tech, researchers, engineers, and investors to celebrate advancements at the nexus of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other transformative fields.
According to Melissa Medina, the summit is a direct response to the increasing momentum of deep tech, positioning Miami as a pivotal hub for innovation. Medina described the summit as a blueprint for future events marked by immersion and intelligence, while Zoiner Tejada emphasized Miami’s vibrant ecosystem and influx of top investors.
The summit will feature a full day of hands-on technical workshops followed by two days of sessions led by experts, exploring breakthrough topics in quantum computing, AI strategy, and more.
Additionally, the Florida Deep Tech Venture Summit is set to be hosted in December in Lake Nona, Orlando, spearheaded by investor Dennis Pape of Phase Shift Ventures. This summit will focus on engineering innovation, dual-use technology, and collaboration with academic institutions, featuring talks from founders across the state.
Pape believes that deep tech startups are poised to reshape industries significantly, akin to the transformative tech developments of the late 20th century.
In tandem with the deep tech movement, 35 Mules has announced its fourth cohort of innovative startups. This initiative, an in-house innovation hub backed by Florida Power & Light Company, aims to support entrepreneurial growth through mentorship and targeted resources. Selected from 172 applicants globally, the startups include:
– **ARSOFT**, creators of EyeFlow, which transforms traditional technical documentation into interactive 3D manuals.
– **Detect**, an AI-powered inspection platform for utilities.
– **Linebird**, which uses drones to enhance safety on power lines.
– **NanoSieve**, pioneering indoor gas detection and removal systems.
– **Oya Femtech Apparel**, innovating women’s activewear to include infection-fighting features.
– **Ping Things**, which developed PredictiveGrid™, an AI tool for utilities.
– **PoleCheck**, which uses microwave technology to assess utility pole integrity.
– **Solitude Labs**, working on cybersecurity solutions for distributed energy resources.
Danielle Mousseau, director of 35 Mules, remarked on the program’s impact, highlighting the economic growth and job creation achieved since its launch in 2020.
Kaseya has also made headlines with two key appointments: Anthony Anzevino as Chief Revenue Officer and Pratik Wadher as Chief Technology Officer. These appointments follow Rania Succar’s recent promotion to CEO, suggesting a strong push for growth in the AI-driven IT management sector.
Anzevino comes with extensive sales and business development experience from companies like Commvault and Veeam, while Wadher brings over 25 years of expertise in enterprise software, including notable roles at Intuit and Applatix.
The duo’s leadership aims to harness AI technologies to assist small and mid-sized businesses in modernizing their IT infrastructure. Succar expressed confidence in their ability to guide Kaseya through a transformative period in the market.
In the gaming and media landscape, Betr has revamped its daily fantasy sports product, Betr Picks, alongside launching Betr Arcade, a new peer-to-peer skill gaming platform. The updates reflect strategic growth, allowing for enhanced user experiences through improved interfaces and expanded sports offerings.
Joey Levy, CEO of Betr, emphasized the strength of their app and the innovative nature of their new products, now available in a large portion of the U.S. market.
In health technology, eMed Population Health appointed Amy Elkins as Chief Operating Officer, following Linda Yaccarino’s transition to CEO. Bringing a rich background in strategic partnerships and operational leadership, Elkins will aim to expand eMed’s health-focused platforms for various sectors globally.
Anaplan, a company specializing in AI-driven scenario planning, has acquired Syrup Tech, enhancing its supply chain capabilities. This acquisition aligns with Anaplan’s mission to facilitate smarter, data-informed decision-making within major retail sectors.
Gemini Sports has also secured a multi-year agreement with AS Monaco to implement AI-powered solutions for squad planning and player trading. This partnership will enable AS Monaco to streamline critical operational decisions and maximize the efficiency of their scouting and team management processes.
Adding to the innovative momentum, New World Angels has launched a Space Coast chapter aimed at investing in early-stage companies focused on advancing technologies in aerospace and related fields. This initiative marks a significant expansion in angel investment across Florida, with plans to bolster the region’s standing as a key player in space innovation.
CareerSource Broward is taking steps to guide local businesses through the integration of AI technologies by developing an AI playbook designed specifically for small and medium-sized employers. This initiative seeks to educate and empower employers in Broward to remain competitive in an increasingly tech-driven economy.
In the employment sector, numerous job opportunities are currently available across various companies, signifying a robust job market in the region.
Finally, several competitions and grants are being announced within the Florida startup ecosystem, including the ¡CELEBRAR! Pitch Competition for Hispanic/LatinX founders and immediate funding opportunities for startups proposing innovative solutions in public housing.
The state’s entrepreneurial energy is palpable, promising bright prospects for deep tech innovation and economic growth in Florida.
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