TAMPA, FL (August 19, 2025) – Hundreds of business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Florida gathered in Tampa on August 12 for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s annual Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit. The event, keynoted by Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and world-renowned innovator and investor, Cathie Wood, Founder, CEO & CIO of ARK Invest, brought together industry visionaries, state officials, college and university presidents, and emerging entrepreneurs to explore how technology and innovation are shaping Florida’s future as the innovation capital of the world
Other featured speakers included:
- The Honorable John Snyder, Chair of the House Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee and State Representative, Florida House District 86
- 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,
- Jennifer Crabtree, VP of Corporate Communications & Chief of Staff, for Tampa General Hospital, and more.
“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.”
Key Takeaways from Some of the Solutions Summit’s Thought Leaders:
- Secretary J. Alex Kelly discussed how state initiatives are attracting high-growth industries to Florida.
- Cathie Wood emphasized the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to position Florida as a global leader in investment and innovation.
- Representative John Synder provided insight into how targeted investments in technology infrastructure and workforce development will expand opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs statewide.
- Dr. Scott Angle highlighted how advancements in agricultural technology are strengthening food security, improving sustainability, and opening new global markets for Florida farmers.
- Nat Ford shared how advancements in transit technology are improving mobility and economic development in Florida, a key priority of the Florida Chamber’s Autonomous Florida Initiative.
- Aundra Wallace highlighted the role of regional partnerships in strengthening the talent pipeline.
- Jennifer Crabtree outlined how healthcare innovation at Tampa General Hospital is improving patient outcomes statewide.
The Florida Chamber Foundation Solution Summit also featured panel discussions on public-private investment (eMerge Americas, Florida Venture Forum, Embarc Collective), the role of innovation districts (including the University of South Florida Research Park, Lake Nona Medical City, and Tampa’s Water Street District), and the importance of strategic partnerships in fueling early-stage business success. Attendees had opportunities to network with industry leaders, connect with potential investors, and explore collaborative solutions for building a more diverse and resilient economy.
One of the day’s most anticipated segments was the fast-paced Florida Innovation Pitch Competition featuring five of the state’s most promising early-stage companies. Agriculture Intelligence (AgIntel) CEO and Co-Founder Matt Donovan took home the top prize for the company’s patented AI-powered platform that delivers large-scale crop insights to help farmers optimize yields, reduce waste, and increase profitability.
As the winning company, AgIntel will present at the 2026 Florida Venture Capital Conference, one of the nation’s largest gatherings of venture capitalists, and will earn a place in eMerge Americas’ Global Startup Accelerator and Showcase, gaining access to mentors, bootcamps, networking opportunities, and investors.
Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research at the Florida Chamber Foundation, said the Solution Summit demonstrated the depth of entrepreneurial talent across Florida. “From agriculture to biotech to cybersecurity, the companies we saw on stage are proof that Florida is cultivating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive,” Dr. Richard said.
A follow-up complimentary virtual webinar, open to the public, will be held on Monday, September 15th at 11 am. The webinar is intended to continue the forward movement on advancing Florida’s global leadership in tech and innovation. Click here to learn more and register.
COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO
COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO
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About the Florida Chamber Foundation:
The Florida Chamber Foundation is a statewide, business-led, non-partisan research and leadership organization focused on securing Florida’s future. By prioritizing long-term strategies over short-term gains, the Foundation partners with regional and state leaders to ensure global competitiveness, prosperity, high-paying jobs, and vibrant communities for all Floridians. Guided by the Florida 2030 Blueprint and its Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy, the Foundation focuses on improving Florida’s talent pipeline, diversifying the economy through new technology and innovation, enhancing infrastructure, fostering a business-friendly climate, streamlining government efficiency, and championing quality of life.
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s initiatives are powered by the Community Development Partnership (CDP) Council, a responsible group of thought leaders and funding partners with a vested interest in Florida’s success. These forward-thinking individuals and organizations contribute their time, expertise, and resources to develop strategies that create measurable impacts across the state and support our research projects like this one. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation relies on the support of CDPs to advance its mission and build Six Pillars Communities. To learn more about joining the CDP council or supporting the Foundation’s work, visit flchamber.com/cdp or contact Dr. Keith Richard at krichard@flchamber.com or 850-521-1231.