1
Jupiter biotech awarded $4.5M SBIR grant
Myosin Therapeutics, a Jupiter-based biotechnology company developing novel therapies for aggressive cancers, announced it has been awarded a $4.5 million Phase II award from the National Cancer Institute’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
The funding will support Myosin Therapeutic’s Phase I STAR-GBM dose escalation and expansion trial of MT-125, a first-in-class novel small molecule therapeutic being evaluated in patients with newly diagnosed, MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. Glioblastoma remains among the most lethal cancers, with median survival measured in months. MT-125 targets non-muscle myosin II, a critical driver of tumor cell invasion, proliferation and treatment resistance, representing a novel therapeutic approach that is distinct from existing standards of care, the company said.
The NCI SBIR program is one of the most competitive federal funding mechanisms for cancer-focused innovation, and Bridge Awards, which require that matching funds from private capital be raised first, are reserved for companies with promising, later-stage projects that have already demonstrated significant technical progress and the potential to attract substantial private investment.
“The NCI Bridge Award was perfectly timed to support our STAR-GBM trial, for which patient enrollment is set to begin in November,” said Dr. Courtney Miller, co-founder and CEO of Myosin Therapeutics. “Our ultimate goal is to deliver a transformative treatment option for patients who currently face limited or inadequate therapeutic choices.”
2
Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities hires 16-year-old prodigy from SpaceX
At 9, Kairan Quaz left third grade for community college, went on to intern at Intel Labs at 10, and transferred to Santa Clara University at 11, graduating at 14 and becoming the youngest graduate in its 172-year history. At age 10 he was interning at Intel Labs’ Human AI Lab. In 2023, he made headlines when Elon Musk’s SpaceX hired him at just 14 years old to help design software for Starlink satellites.
Now at age 16, the prodigy is joining Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities in its New York City office as a quant developer, after turning down other offers from AI labs in Silicon Valley. As for quant trading, “It’s one of the most prestigious industries you could go into as a computer scientist or mathematician,” Quazi said in Business Insider, which first reported the news. He also praised Citadel for not using his young age as a barrier. Read more here.
3
3 companies join Global Ventures at Research Park at FAU
Three innovative companies have joined the Global Ventures program at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, bringing the total to eight companies that have joined this year. They are:
- Standard Space Antennas– From Argentina, Standard Space Antennas LLC creates high-performance antennas for satellites and space missions, delivering reliable, space-ready solutions from VHF to Ka-band. With a proven track record and innovative engineering, the company helps accelerate space missions while keeping costs down.
- INAAM LLC – INAAM Botanical Sodas, crafted over eight years in Colombia, delivers zero-calorie, stevia-sweetened, functional beverages with exotic flavors like cranberry-basil and lychee-hibiscus, meeting 2025’s demand for wellness-focused, eco-friendly hydration in a $1.4T market growing 6-7.6% annually. Its sustainable closed-loop system—using ethically sourced botanicals, 90% less water, and recyclable glass bottles—ensures compliance with global anti-UPF regulations and FDA labeling exemptions, positioning INAAM as a leader for health-conscious and sober-curious consumers.
- Milagro AI – A medical autonomous coding company enabling real-time coding during care episodes. It specializes in high-complexity surgical coding, proactively preventing preauth denials before they occur. Health systems using Milagro have recovered millions annually while streamlining revenue operations.
To support these companies in scaling, Global Ventures offers resources and services designed to give them the data to make informed growth decisions. These include close access to Florida Atlantic University’s research faculty, student interns, and recent graduates, flexible office space, and strategic guidance and connections to facilitate their expansion in the United States.
“Global Ventures is proving its value – supporting entrepreneurs, creating opportunities, and strengthening South Florida’s economy,” said Andrew S. Duffell, president of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic.
4
8 Florida venture firms make TIME’s ranking of top US firms
TIME, in partnership with Statista, the leading global provider of market and consumer data and rankings, has published the first annual “America’s Top Venture Capital Firms” ranking: 350 firms at the forefront of the U.S. venture capital landscape, catalyzing innovation, supporting emerging startups, and driving the next generation of economic growth, TIME said.
Florida VC firms on the list: BoldStart, TheVentureCity, Bling Capital, Seven Seven Six, Nazca, SYN Ventures, ClearSky, and K5 Global. See methodology and full list here.
5
Remitee selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur
Endeavor Miami announced that Remitee, a fast-growing cross-border payments fintech, has been selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur. Founder Sergio Saravia joined the network after presenting at Endeavor’s most recent 53rd Virtual International Selection Panel (ISP), where global business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs unanimously voted to welcome Remitee into the worldwide Endeavor network.
“Remitee represents the kind of high-impact company we champion at Endeavor — innovative, scalable, and mission-driven,” said Claudia Durán, Managing Director of Endeavor Miami. “Sergio and his team are not only building next-generation infrastructure for financial services but are also committed to making a real difference in the lives of migrant families.”
Founded in 2017, Remitee provides API-based remittance infrastructure that enables banks, fintechs, and e-wallets to offer instant cross-border payments. Remitee’s platform powers money transfers, bill payments, and mobile top-ups across 50+ countries and 14 currencies. As part of the Endeavor network, Remitee will gain access to a global community of over 2,500 high-impact entrepreneurs across 40+ markets, along with strategic support in scaling operations, entering new markets, and attracting top-tier talent and capital.
6
eMed receives strategic investment
Aon, a publicly traded global professional services firm, announced a strategic investment in Miami-based eMed Population Health, an emerging leader in the delivery of GLP-1 programs. The partnership will enhance employer sponsored access to GLP-1 therapies and scale solutions for obesity. The amount of the investment was not disclosed.
The investment follows the launch earlier this year of Aon’s subsidized GLP-1 weight management benefit program for its U.S. workforce – developed by eMed – which has delivered strong adherence, high retention and sustainable results for the firm’s colleagues. In the sixth months since Aon’s program launched, more than 1,200 people have registered and the firm has seen an average of 22.4 pounds lost with a retention rate of 95 percent.
With this investment, eMed will continue to increase distribution of its digital-first healthcare platform — which combines at-home diagnostics, proctor-led screenings, clinician-guided prescribing, and continuous adherence support — to reach more employers and patients. “This strategic investment in eMed further enables our firm to play an active role in offering a differentiated global solution focused on medication adherence – helping employers reduce long-term health costs while improving quality of life for their people.” said Linda Yaccarino, who was named CEO of eMed Population Health earlier this month.
READ MORE: Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino is now at the helm of eMed
7
CentralReach makes 2 acquisitions
CentralReach, a leading provider of autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) care software, announced the acquisitions of SpectrumAi and AI.Measures to bring cutting-edge capabilities in clinical assessment, video data capture, and predictive analytics to CentralReach’s Care360 strategy and support its mission to provide the most comprehensive and intelligent platform designed for applied behavior analysis, multidisciplinary, and special education services.
The combination of AI.Measures and SpectrumAI’s proven models and unique IP with CentralReach’s market leading EMR, AI capabilities and network of providers enables outcomes-based care for the autism and IDD care field. These acquisitions also extend CentralReach’s current position as the platform of choice for autism and IDD providers. As part of the acquisitions, both Dr. Thomas Frazier and Ling Shao (along with their respective teams) will join CentralReach as Chief Clinical Officer and SVP of Outcomes-Based Care, respectively.
8
Built in Miami Program back in October
The Built in Miami Program is back, and this time, it’s launching as a partnership between the Department of Economic Innovation and Development and the Miami DDA, and is designed and developed by Creative Hub Miami.
The 9-week pre-accelerator program starts Oct. 20 and will support 30 businesses located in the City of Miami and Downtown Miami — helping them grow, innovate, and get investment-ready.
Built in Miami will hold an Info Day on Sept. 16 at Citizen M to learn more about the program, meet the team, and discover how Built in Miami can take your business to the next level. RSVP for Info Day here and apply for the program here.
9
Welcome back to Wynwood, Freebee!
In a full circle moment, Miami-based Freebee, the on-demand microtransit provider, is back in Wynwood, the neighborhood where Freebee started over 10 years ago. Thanks to the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID), its fleet of all-electric VW ID. Buzz vehicles is connecting the community with free, eco-friendly rides once again.
10
Where the tech jobs are
Boats Group – Software Development Manager
CGI – Business Analyst
DoorLoop – Full Stack Tech Lead
DoorLoop – Product Analyst
Exowatt – Program Manager
Kandji – GTM Strategy & Analytics Lead
Kandji – Sr Software Engineer, Front End
Royal Caribbean Group – Data Engineer
Royal Caribbean Group – Director of Customer Marketing
Transak – Product Manager
Find more jobs on Refresh Miami’s job board here.
PLUS
Opportunity knocks
- Applications are now open for the fintech and defense tech tracks of the new Gold Coast Tech Accelerator, hosted by eMerge Americas, The Florida Council of 100 and Related Ross. Apply here by Sept. 7 for the fall tracks. Read more about the accelerator here.
- Mentoro is recruiting mentees with about 7–12 years of professional experience who are working in data, AI, and technology or who are eager to expand their knowledge in these fast-evolving fields. The application deadline for its fall Data, AI & Tech cohort is Aug. 31. Apply here. [Read more here.]
- Coworking company Mindspace is offering complimentary office space at its Miami location every Wednesday until Aug. 27. Reserve here.
- The 2025 SXSW Pitch Showcase, now in its 18th year, is a premier startup competition spotlighting 45 startups across nine industry categories — from AI and Healthcare to Sustainability and FinTech. Finalists will pitch live in Austin, March 13–14, 2026, before investors and industry leaders. Past participants have gone on to raise over $23B in funding. Apply here by Nov. 7.
- The Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation is accepting applications for its 100 Startup Project Scholarship program. Ten startups will receive a one-year membership to the Levan Center of Innovation. Apply here.
- The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority will award $100,000 each to selected startups that propose tech solutions that can make the county’s public housing system more efficient. Learn more and apply here by Sept 5.
- Scale2miami and Mana Tech has launched a new program offering up to $300,000 in funding for MVP-stage founders. This program includes a 5 week program and 12 months of ongoing support. Applications close Aug. 31st, with the program starting in September 2025. Apply here.
- The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program’s Facilitated Growth Cohort at Florida International University offers training to help you grow and expand your business. You are not required to have any employees but should have a business generating revenue. You will create a Business Model Canvas with mentorship and will determine if your business is validated/marketable and if it is scalable/expandable. Find out more and apply here.
ICYMI
- Latest funding: From stealth to $6.7M seed, Kira sets sights on Latin America’s fintech future
- Yourway Learning raises $9M to expand its AI-powered K-12 education platform
- Transak raises $16M to scale stablecoin payments, and Miami is central to the plan
- Parlay Pal, an AI app for smarter sports betting, wins top prize at SPARC
- Robot pitching clones: Inside the technology that’s fueling the Miami Marlins’ hot streak
- Endur is cutting blue tape to speed up ocean innovation
- Mentoro is launching a Miami Data, AI & Tech mentorship cohort; applications are now open
- Businesses want to act more like banks, and this Miami CEO has the tech they need to do it
- Payabli’s fintech story began in a Miami salsa club
- Easymetering’s new smart panel is ready to outthink your home’s energy use
- How an FIU graduate landed a competitive job at Google
- Special Report: Crypto keeps building in Miami, and investors are paying attention
And much more #NoPaywall news here.
Have news to report? Email Nancy Dahlberg at nancy@refreshmiami.com and follow her on X @ndahlberg and on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Refresh Miami’s free weekly newsletter here featuring startup news, tech job opportunities and events. Thank you for supporting Refresh Miami and paywall-free news.
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