The Florida Chamber Foundation recently hosted the Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit, bringing together leaders from across the state to discuss strategies for advancing Florida’s position in technology and innovation. The event featured speakers such as Cathie Wood of ARK Invest and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, along with a range of business, education, and public sector representatives.
Speakers included John Snyder, Chair of the House Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee; Linda Olson, CEO of Tampa Bay Wave; Paul Sohl, CEO of Florida High Tech Corridor; Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO of CareerSource Florida; TJ Villamil, President of Business Development for eMerge Americas; Robert Harvey, President & Executive Director of Florida Opportunity Fund; Nat Ford, CEO of Jacksonville Transportation Authority; Rhea Law, President of the University of South Florida; James Henningsen, President of the College of Central Florida; and Jennifer Crabtree, VP at Tampa General Hospital.
“Florida’s future economy is being built by visionaries who are solving real-world challenges with scalable, market-ready solutions,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “The Florida Technology & Innovation Solutions Summit brought together the best mix of future-focused leaders, innovators, and investors to ensure Florida remains on the right path toward becoming the 10th largest economy in the world by 2030 and the most competitive state in the nation.”
Secretary J. Alex Kelly spoke about state efforts to attract high-growth industries. Cathie Wood highlighted how emerging technologies can help make Florida a global leader in investment and innovation. Representative John Snyder discussed investments in technology infrastructure and workforce development aimed at supporting small businesses statewide. Dr. Scott Angle addressed advances in agricultural technology that improve food security and sustainability for farmers. Nat Ford talked about transit technology improvements that support mobility and economic growth as part of the Autonomous Florida Initiative. Aundra Wallace focused on regional partnerships that strengthen talent pipelines. Jennifer Crabtree described healthcare innovations at Tampa General Hospital improving patient outcomes across the state.
Panel discussions covered topics such as public-private investment through organizations like eMerge Americas and Embarc Collective, innovation districts including University of South Florida Research Park and Lake Nona Medical City, as well as strategic partnerships supporting early-stage business success. Attendees had opportunities to network with industry leaders and potential investors.
A highlight was the Florida Innovation Pitch Competition featuring five early-stage companies. Matt Donovan, CEO and Co-Founder of Agriculture Intelligence (AgIntel), won for his company’s AI-powered platform that provides crop insights to help farmers optimize yields and reduce waste. As winner, AgIntel will present at next year’s Florida Venture Capital Conference—one of the country’s largest gatherings for venture capitalists—and participate in eMerge Americas’ Global Startup Accelerator program.
Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research at the Foundation said: “From agriculture to biotech to cybersecurity, the companies we saw on stage are proof that Florida is cultivating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive.”
A follow-up webinar open to all will be held September 15th at 11 am to continue discussion on advancing tech leadership in Florida.
The Foundation describes itself as a non-partisan research organization dedicated to long-term strategies for prosperity in line with its Florida 2030 Blueprint. It works with regional partners through its Community Development Partnership Council—a group providing resources for research projects—to improve areas such as talent development and economic diversification statewide.
For more information or ways to support these initiatives visit flchamber.com/cdp or contact Dr. Keith Richard at krichard@flchamber.com or 850-521-1231.