FloridaCommerce recently organized the Northwest Florida Pitch Day in Panama City, focusing on entrepreneurs and innovators working with dual-use technology and military and defense applications. The event provided a platform for these businesses to present their products to state leaders and potential investors.
The initiative highlights Florida’s position as a leader in technology job growth, migration, and new business formation. The event was co-hosted by FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, Florida State University, the Florida SBDC Network, the Florida Opportunity Fund, and Florida’s Great Northwest. Participants included companies involved in energy management, strategic development, technology consulting, artificial intelligence, and transportation solutions.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to lead the nation in new business formations and pitch days like these are where innovation meets impact,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By giving these companies, a direct line to investors, state leaders and strategic partners—we’re not just growing businesses, we’re shaping the future of defense and technology innovation in Florida and beyond.”
“This Pitch Day was designed to accelerate Florida’s defense innovation ecosystem,” said Deputy Secretary of Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer Jason Mahon. “These successes bolster Florida’s position as the leader in military and defense innovation nationwide, continuing to grow Florida’s small businesses and creating expansive opportunity for job creators and job seekers across the state.”
Held in a key region for defense innovation within the state, the event aimed to strengthen connections between high-growth companies, venture capital firms, technology multipliers, and universities. Five start-ups specializing in dual-use technology participated this time; overall more than 100 companies have joined similar pitch days across Florida since February 2024.
Recent pitch day events have also been held at locations including Tallahassee (in partnership with the Israeli Business Accelerator), Miami (with Florida International University), Tampa (with ARK Invest), Jacksonville (with the Department of Elder Affairs), and Orlando (with University of Central Florida).
