The Florida Chamber Foundation recently hosted the Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit, an event that brought together leaders from business, government, and academia to discuss strategies for advancing the state’s economy through technology and innovation. The summit featured Cathie Wood of ARK Invest and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly as keynote speakers.
Other notable participants 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 of Corporate Communications & Chief of Staff 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.”
Speakers addressed a range of topics related to economic growth through technology. Secretary J. Alex Kelly spoke about state efforts to attract high-growth industries. Cathie Wood discussed how emerging technologies can help position Florida as a global leader in investment and innovation. Representative John Snyder highlighted targeted investments in technology infrastructure and workforce development aimed at supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.
Dr. Scott Angle talked about how agricultural technology is improving food security and sustainability while opening new markets for farmers in Florida. Nat Ford described how advancements in transit technology are enhancing mobility and economic development—a priority under the Autonomous Florida Initiative led by the Chamber. Aundra Wallace emphasized regional partnerships’ role in building a strong talent pipeline. Jennifer Crabtree shared examples from Tampa General Hospital on how healthcare innovation is improving patient outcomes statewide.
Panel discussions explored public-private investment initiatives involving organizations such as eMerge Americas and Embarc Collective. The role of innovation districts like University of South Florida Research Park was also discussed along with strategies for supporting early-stage businesses.
A highlight was the Florida Innovation Pitch Competition featuring five early-stage companies from across the state. Agriculture Intelligence (AgIntel), led by CEO Matt Donovan, won top honors for its AI-powered platform designed to help farmers optimize yields and reduce waste. As winners, 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 complimentary virtual webinar open to all will be held on September 15th at 11 am to continue discussions on advancing tech leadership in Florida.
The Foundation describes itself as a non-partisan research organization focused on long-term strategies for securing prosperity across communities statewide by working with leaders from various sectors. Its work includes initiatives supported by its Community Development Partnership Council—a group contributing expertise and resources toward research projects aimed at economic growth.
