April 2, 2024

Synapse - Innovation Lives Here!

Since day one, Synapse has been a cornerstone of innovation, entrepreneurship, and business excellence in Florida. Our mantra, "Innovation Lives Here," has evolved from a bold vision into a thriving reality, built on dedication and collaborative effort. We've been a catalyst, helping to transform Florida into a hub of opportunity and progress by fostering connections across industries and communities.

Synapse has sparked countless collaborations that have propelled economic growth and innovation. Since 2017 we have hosted over two dozen major innovation conferences, dozens of in-person gatherings and online seminars, and made hundreds of direct introductions helping partners find what they need and share what they’ve created.  Synapse has reached more than 40,000 innovators representing different ages, stages, and experiences.   The “ROI” - the return on inspiration, information, innovation - is infinite!

And we’re not stopping there.  Just like every innovator does, we’re reimagining what’s possible to ensure that innovation continues to not only live in Florida but to thrive here.  As our community is evolving, our synapses are firing with new ideas to strengthen and serve the ecosystem.  

We're guided by our core values: prioritizing our community, being agile and accountable, keeping it fun and thought-provoking. We’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks as we engage with you and fellow stakeholders and ecosystem partners; we invite you to join us on this journey.

Thank you for being part of the reason that “Innovation Lives Here!”

💻 USF among first US colleges with plans for AI,

cybersecurity school

University of South Florida will address the five-fold increased demand for talent with AI and cybersecurity skills through the creation of this new college, the first of its kind in Florida.  (Business Observer)

⚙️ Neocity officially welcomes tech accelerator Plug and Play

Globally recognized technology business accelerator, Plug and Play, officially opened in NeoCity, the 500-acre technology district that has become the hub for Florida’s growing semiconductor industry. (Positively Osceola)

💡‘Game changer’: FAMU launches its STR2EAM Innovation Fab Lab with Chevron, Fab Foundation

Florida A&M University’s College of Education announced a state-of-the-art creative space for the community.  (Tallahassee Democrat)

• April is Miami Tech Month 

From job fairs to meetups, interactive exhibits and more, check out everything happening in Miami this month.

• April 5-7, Orlando - Techstars Startup Weekend -

Hosted by Orlando Innovation League at Rollins College, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs will learn how to think, work, and build like a startup over 54 thrilling hours.

• April 10th, Tampa Bay - TEDx St Petersburg College -

This single-day conference experience that hosts a series of speakers, each presenting a TEDx talk to a diverse audience of 100+ thinkers, creators, and doers. The stage is set to have meaningful conversations and gain new insights into: ‘Redefining Learning for the Next Generation.’ 

• April 11-12, Orlando - VRARA Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit 2024 -

This free 2-day event hosted at Full Sail University features expo, panels and a career fair focusing on augmented and virtual reality. 

• Applications Open for the Veterans Health Administration Innovation Ecosystem Hackathon -

Applications are open for solutions for this first-of-its-kind Veterans Health Hackathon seeking solutions to the top challenges facing Veterans health care.  The hackathon will take place on May 17-19 at the USF Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa.  Members from the Synapse community are invited to apply or to serve as a mentor or volunteer.