May 1, 2024

Florida's innovation scene is making waves nationally, with recent accolades and dynamic events bringing industry leaders together statewide.

Synapse is working closely with our partners on reimagining Synapse Summit, bringing a refreshed approach to this highly-anticipated annual gathering. 

Expanding on our dedication to veteran entrepreneurs and innovators, Synapse is launching an initiative in collaboration with various local veteran support organizations, backed by the Truist Foundation.  

In small business support, two Florida initiatives secured Stage One wins in the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, part of the US Small Business Association. weVenture at the Florida Institute of Technology is gearing up for a focused TeXelerator Summit, spotlighting female founders in manufacturing, R&D, and business strategy. Meanwhile, the International Business Innovation Association in Orlando is enhancing programs to foster inclusivity and equity for STEM-based entrepreneurs.

On the innovation front, gatherings like the National Center for Simulation’s annual Summit are connecting leaders in the multi-billion dollar modeling, simulation, and training industry, with a focus on "Transforming Healthcare Through Intelligent Technologies." Miami Tech Month showcased the vibrant diversity of the local innovation community through a packed calendar of events, including summits, competitions, and tech conferences.  The calendar remains packed through the next few weeks with opportunities for networking, pitch events, and education. 

🧬 EVQLV, Synapse Summit 2023 Pitch Competition Winner, continues growth with win at 2024 eMerge Americas 

Refresh Miami  - Miami-based EVQLV (pronounced evolve) continues their mission to make personalized medicine a reality.

⚙️ Why Humility Is So Important to Startup Success, According to This Accelerator Hub 

Inc.  - The majority of startups don't make it to their fifth birthday. That's not true for Embarc Collective's portfolio. 

💡Marking 10 year anniversary, Florida Polytechnic University announces new president

Florida Polytechnic University

Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, currently president of Northwest Florida State College, will be the second leader of Florida Poly, the state’s all-STEM public university.

👏 CEO Shirl Penney: From the depths of poverty to running a billion-dollar business

Business Observer - The inspiring story of Synapse Summit 2024 keynote speaker Shirl Penney, CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners.

• May 7th, Tampa - AMP Conference - Entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, business owners, leaders, and community members are welcome to gather in-person at the UFS Muma College of Business for the 2024 AMP Conference. AMP will bring business minds and academics to the same table, where interesting and impactful research can be communicated into actionable practice.
• May 9th, Orlando - 2024 Veteran Business Summit - The Veterans Business Summit, an initiative by the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI), provides the military veteran business community with a platform to educate, empower and support early-stage, veteran-led companies with innovative products and services.
• May 10th Deadline - Florida Venture Forum Pitch Competition - The Florida Venture Forum is now accepting presenter applications to pitch at the 2024 Early Stage Venture Conference, June 4-5, for a total of $300K in prize money and capital investment at the Phillips Center in Orlando.  
• May 17-19, Tampa - Veterans Health - MIT Innovation Hackathon 

Tampa VA, along with VHA Innovation Ecosystem, Microsoft, and MIT are launching the first-of-its-kind Veterans Health Hackathon to design solutions to the top challenges facing Veteran health care.  Members from the Synapse community are invited to apply or to serve as a mentor or volunteer.

• May 22, St. Petersburg - poweredUP Tampa Bay Tech Festival - A day of inspiring content, networking and the latest from Tampa Bay’s tech leaders.
• May 24 - Application Deadline for Tampa Bay Wave’s HealthTech Accelerator 

Check out the Synapse Community Calendar for even more opportunities to connect, catalyze and celebrate innovation!