InnovateOrlando.io

Hey Innovators, This week, we’ve got billion-dollar investments, record-breaking speeds, game-changing AI, and a huge win for Orlando’s gaming scene. Whether you're in tech, aerospace, gaming, or medtech, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in... https://lnkd.in/gk-c7s5b

https://lnkd.in/gv2eCeuF ?? Orlando’s Tech Ecosystem is Scaling—Are You In? Today is Pi Day (3/14)—a celebration of math, engineering, and innovation (and yes, Einstein’s birthday!). It’s the perfect moment to spotlight the brilliant minds shaping Orlando’s future. At this week’s Orlando Tech Community (OTC) All Hands, founders, engineers, and business leaders tackled big questions that will define the next phase of our tech ecosystem: ? How do we make it easier for newcomers to plug in and find resources? ? How do we amplify Orlando’s tech story and showcase our momentum? ? How do we align ecosystem leaders and resources for maximum impact? And it’s not just talk—Orlando’s innovation economy is making headlines: ?? Fintech boom: The sibling founders of Stax just raised $20M for their new startup Worth—another major win for Orlando’s fintech scene. ??? Space & AAM advancements: From Cape Canaveral-based Sidus Space & Warpspace’s satellite tech to Nasa and SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission—returning astronauts after an unexpected nine-month stay on the ISS— and vertiports preparing for flying cars, Orlando is making its mark in next-gen aerospace. ?? ?? Entertainment tech explosion: Full Sail’s esports expansion, Mirai Arcade just opened, powered by cutting-edge payment technology from the Orlando-based company Sacoa, and the VRARA Immersive Tech Summit prove Orlando is pioneering the future of play. ?? Engineering the future: Nuview’s Lake Nona HQ is driving high-wage geospatial jobs, and Epic Universe’s cutting-edge robotics & AI are redefining theme park innovation. This is the moment to level up our strategy—and Innovate Orlando the non-profit that powers the OTC is stepping up as a true navigator for our ecosystem. We’re refining a five-year strategic plan to turn insights into real, measurable impact. If you’re an innovator, investor, or founder—this is the time to engage. ?? Orlando Tech Grant: Fueling Growth & Innovation Are you working on an initiative that can strengthen Orlando’s tech ecosystem? The Orlando Tech Grant supports projects that drive collaboration, expand resources, and elevate our region as a top-tier innovation hub. If your initiative aligns with these key areas, apply today: ?? Ecosystem Building – Connecting startups, founders, and industry leaders to foster growth, mentorship, and opportunity. ?? Cross-Sector Innovation – Bridging industries to spark breakthrough collaborations between startups and established tech companies. ?? Tech Talent Pipeline – Developing diverse, skilled talent through training, mentorship, and workforce development. ?? Marketing & Communications – Positioning Orlando as a global tech leader by increasing visibility and attracting investment. ?? Access to Capital & Contracts – Creating clear pathways to funding, customers, and growth opportunities for startups. ? DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY MARCH 17th (5pm) Read more in our newsletter! https://lnkd.in/gv2eCeuF

Full Sail University Hall of Fame week brings together an extraordinary cross-section of industry in technology, graphics, music, film, game development and much more for conversations and connections that spark innovation. Check out this fireside chat moderated by Full Sail's Executive Director of Emerging Technology Haifa Raja Maamar, PhD with Discord CEO Jason Citron. Fun fact, Jason is being inducted into the Full Sail Hall of Fame this week! #OrlandoTech #InnovateOrlando #WinterPark #FullSail #FSHOF #FullSailUniversity #Tech #Innovation #Discord #CompanyCulture #GameDev

Congratulations to Orlando's own Suneera Madhani and Sal Rehmetullah on the $20M seed raise for their new fintech startup, Worth AI Check out the TechCrunch article in the comments. #OrlandoTech #InnovateOrlando #Finance #AI #Fintech #Orlando #Florida #FloridaTech #Tech #Technology #CentralFlorida #MOONSHOTSandMAGIC #startup

Orlando’s Innovation Engine is in Overdrive—Here’s What’s Fueling It https://lnkd.in/g2csSWn7 Orlando’s innovation ecosystem is firing on all cylinders—across aerospace, mobility, AI, gaming, and business expansion—and the stories from this week prove why our region is a national leader in tech-driven transformation. From advanced air mobility to moon landings, from AI-powered airports to esports dominance, Central Florida’s engineers, entrepreneurs, academics, and business leaders are driving the next era of innovation. Here’s how.. (cont'd)

Amazing opportunity for our ecosystem!

?? Leveling Up Orlando’s Game Industry! ?? Orlando has long been a powerhouse for simulation and gaming, and now Jai Alai video games are getting their moment in the spotlight! Orlando Tech News dives into how Central Florida developers are blending tradition with innovation in this unique sports gaming experience. At Innovate Orlando, we love seeing our region’s creative and tech communities thrive. Shoutout to Orlando Tech News and Marco Santana covering these important stories—let’s support this effort to highlight the incredible work happening here! ?? Read more: See the link to Orlando Tech News in the comments #OrlandoTech #GameDevelopment #Innovation #JaiAlai #OrlandoGaming #SupportLocalTech #InnovateOrlando #OTC #GameDev #IndieGames Indienomicon Foundation Full Sail University

Orlando Prepares for Advanced Air Mobility ?? The future of flight is taking off in Orlando! With advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), our city is on track to become a leader in next-gen aviation. ?? ?? Read more: Link in comments #UrbanAirMobility #OrlandoTech #FutureOfFlight #InnovateOrlando #OTC #Aviation #NextGen #Technology #Innovation Greater Orlando Aviation Authority: Orlando International (MCO) and Executive (ORL) Airports

Florida Tech Unveils Vertex Innovation Hub ?? Innovation in action! Florida Tech is launching the Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, fostering groundbreaking research and industry collaboration. Orlando’s tech ecosystem continues to thrive, shaping the future of applied sciences. Vertex, formerly the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (CAMID), which is still a part of the hub, has been re-imagined. Wishing the new executive director, Samantha Miles all the best. ?? Read more: Link in comments #InnovateOrlando #STEM #FutureTech #InnovateOrlando #Melbourne #FloridaTech #CentralFL #SpaceCoastInnovation #FloridaTech Samantha Miles Florida Institute of Technology Florida High Tech Corridor #AdvancedManufacturing

https://lnkd.in/g3_N8c3b Orlando’s Innovation Ecosystem is on Fire?? ? What a week! I had the opportunity to connect with some of the most dynamic innovators in our region, from?Electronic Arts (EA) to?StarterStudio,?and everywhere in between. The?Orlando Economic Partnership's annual BBQ in the Park?was the perfect backdrop for many of these conversations—bringing together leaders across industries, all focused on the future of our region. I also had the privilege of celebrating 13 years of?Tech Sassy Girlz —huge congratulations to Dr. Laine Powell, the CEO and Founder, for her incredible work inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. ? At the?National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA) Central Florida 2nd Annual Sipping Soiree, I had the chance to talk about the strength of Orlando’s innovation community and how companies can leverage Innovate Orlando to access all parts of this thriving ecosystem. Whether it's emerging defense technology, AI-driven solutions, or advanced manufacturing, our region is filled with opportunities for collaboration and growth. ? That spirit of innovation is showing up all across Florida.?Florida Institute of Technology's Vertex Applied Innovation Hub?in Melbourne, FL is helping researchers turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world products, and a big congratulations to Samantha Miles, its new Executive Director, for stepping into this exciting leadership role! ? Orlando’s healthcare sector is also stepping up in a big way.?Nemours Children’s Health?and AdventHealth?are expanding services and creating new jobs, investing in everything from AI-powered healthcare solutions to pediatric care. As part of Heart Month, AdventHealth just equipped Orlando’s? LYNX LYMMO?buses with lifesaving AEDs, proving that innovation in healthcare isn’t just about hospitals—it’s about protecting lives in every corner of our city. ? And while all of this is happening, our tourism and development industries are scaling up.?Westgate Resorts?is making major moves, tripling in size with new locations in Canada and Mexico.?Universal Technical Institute, Inc.?is launching a much-needed HVAC training program, helping to meet Florida’s growing demand for skilled labor. ? On the transportation front,?Beep, Inc.—a leader in Orlando's autonomous mobility industry—is playing a key role in Jacksonville’s push for driverless public transit. With plans to bring self-driving shuttles across the state, Beep is proving that Florida is leading the way in smart, connected mobility solutions. ? Innovation isn’t just an idea in Orlando—it’s something we’re building every day. There’s so much happening, and we know we’ve only scratched the surface. Have news to share? Send it our way! We want to keep celebrating the work being done in our community. ? Until next time, keep innovating, Orlando!