1
Mark your calendars: 2 deep tech summits on the way
To explore opportunities in deep tech and dual-use innovation, at least two deep tech summits are heading to the Sunshine State in coming months.
eMerge Americas recently announced that it’s hosting the eMerge Deep Tech Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center next April coinciding with its signature conference. The summit is a joint venture with Emerging Tech Events, an experiential company known for creating world-class education and training events. They plan to convene over 2,000 deep tech leaders, researchers, engineers and investors April 22-24 for programming celebrating innovation at the intersection of AI, quantum computing, and more.
“We believe deep tech is the next great wave of global transformation. This summit is our response to that momentum. This joint venture is a blueprint for how next-gen events should look and feel: immersive, intelligent, innovative and deeply meaningful,” said Melissa Medina, in a statement. “Miami, with its vibrant community of builders, influx of top-tier investors and global reach, is the perfect launchpad for the innovations that will arise from a deep tech movement,” added Zoiner Tejada, co-founder of Emerging Tech Events.
This new addition to eMerge conference, now in its 12th year, will include a full day of technical pre-conference hands-on workshops and two days with over 40 expert-led sessions focused on transformative breakthroughs in topics such as quantum computing, quantum communications, post quantum security, AI strategy, AI architecture, AI engineering, agentic AI and more. More information about the new summit is here and stay tuned for more details in the fall. eMerge Americas is also involved in launching the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator, which will include a program for defense tech/dual use.
That’s not all. This December, investor Dennis Pape, managing partner of Phase Shift Ventures, announced the Florida Deep Tech Venture Summit is coming to the Lake Nona area of Orlando.
The Dec. 11 summit, to be hosted by Phase Shift Ventures and Backswing Ventures, both Orlando area venture firms, will gather leaders from around the state and beyond to explore the rise of engineering and scientific innovation, frontier tech, dual use innovation, university tech transfer and more. Several South Florida founders will be speaking at the full-day conference, including founders Daniel Betts of Blue Frontier, Rob Sladen of Zulu Pods and Curt Lary of Hextronics, joining deep tech investors, leaders of Space Florida, university experts and founders from the Space Coast and other parts of the state. Find out more about the Florida Deep Tech Venture Summit here.
“I believe deep tech startups will again reshape industries in this decade and beyond — much as they did when they created the computing, telecom, and internet infrastructure of the 1980s and 1990s,” said Pape, who founded Phase Shift Ventures this year to help close Florida’s early-stage deep tech capital gap.
2
35 Mules announces 4th cohort. Let’s meet them.
35 Mules, Florida Power & Light Company’s in-house innovation hub, announced the launch of its fourth cohort of startups, continuing its mission to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in Florida.
Launched in 2020, 35 Mules is a 15-month founder-based program designed to help startups grow and scale through mentorship, entrepreneurial and leadership coaching, pitch and storytelling workshops, subject matter expertise, and more. To date, the program has created nearly 50 jobs in Florida, helped its companies raise more than $80 million in funding, and delivered a $75 million economic impact to the Florida economy.
Here are the startups selected for the fourth cohort, selected from 172 applicants across 16 countries and 19 U.S. states:
- ARSOFT (from Miami and Spain) created a platform called EyeFlow that transforms traditional technical documentation (typically paper-based or PDF manuals) into interactive 3D digital manuals within hours.
- Detect (from Miami) is an AI-powered inspection and analytics platform that helps utilities improve how they manage and maintain critical infrastructure, with a focus on transmission towers, poles, and substations. (Read more on Refresh here.)
- Linebird enables drones to perform hands-on work on energized power lines, significantly enhancing safety and operational efficiency for utilities.
- NanoSieve (from Miami) is a gas safety company pioneering the first indoor system that both detects and removes flammable and toxic gases in real time, protecting people, property, and infrastructure from toxic or flammable gas buildup.
- Oya Femtech Apparel is a health-focused innovation company transforming women’s activewear into patented, infection-fighting apparel.
- Ping Things created an AI tool called PredictiveGrid™ that allows utilities to quickly discover, develop, and deploy data- and AI-driven use cases, seamlessly integrating with existing sensors and systems.
- PoleCheck uses patented, certified microwave technology and algorithms to quickly, easily, and objectively determine the integrity of utility poles.
- Solitude Labs is developing a decentralized cybersecurity solution, designed to secure communications for distributed energy resources (DERs) and enable authorized devices to communicate directly with one another.
“The arrival of our fourth cohort demonstrates the growing momentum behind Florida’s innovation ecosystem,” said Danielle Mousseau, director of 35 Mules. “These remarkable entrepreneurs are transforming their industries, driving innovation and contributing economic impact.”
3
Kaseya makes 2 C-Suite appointments
Kaseya, the global provider of AI-powered IT management and cybersecurity software, announced two appointments to its executive leadership team: Anthony Anzevino as Chief Revenue Officer and Pratik Wadher as Chief Technology Officer. The moves follow closely Rania Succar’s appointment as CEO in June.
Anzevino, who previously led large sales organizations at Commvault, Veeam and AWS, is a go-to-market leader with extensive experience across sales, business development and customer success. As CRO, Anzevino will focus on aligning sales and customer success, deepening client partnerships, and fuelling Kaseya’s next stage of growth.
Wadher is a technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience leading innovation and large-scale transformation in enterprise software, platforms and financial technology. With prior senior executive roles at Intuit, Applatix and Data Domain, he brings deep expertise in building world-class engineering organizations, scaling cloud-native platforms and pioneering AI adoption at scale.
“Small and midsize businesses are modernizing their technology stacks at a once-in-a-generation pace, and MSPs are their critical partners. Kaseya has the opportunity to be at the center of this transformation — harnessing AI to automate, strengthen security, protect data and simplify IT for our customers. Anthony and Pratik bring the leadership, experience and vision to help us capture this extraordinary opportunity.” said Succar, in a statement.
4
Betr revamps Betr Picks, lauches Betr Arcade
Betr, a leading gaming and media business founded in 2022 by Joey Levy and Jake Paul, announced a major revamp of its daily fantasy sports pick ‘em product, Betr Picks, along with the official launch of Betr Arcade. Betr Picks is currently live in 33 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., reaching approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population, while Arcade, a real-money peer-to-peer skills game, has initially launched in 29 states.
Betr Picks’ overhaul introduces a new, simplified and modern user interface, expanded sports offerings including WNBA and top global soccer leagues, significantly more projections across both new and existing sports, and its industry-first 10,000X payout multiplier, the company said. The debut of Betr Arcade marks the company’s entry into the casual peer-to-peer skill gaming space, featuring four initial games: 21, Fruit Match, Crossout 21, and 5 Across with more games rolling out in the coming weeks. Games start at just $1.25 and allow players to practice before entering real-money contests against others.
“The Betr app has never been as strong as it is today. Betr Picks is now a top tier daily fantasy sports pick ‘em product despite launching just less than two years ago, and we now have Betr Arcade live in 29 states, giving our customers a new skill gaming experience,” said Joey Levy, founder and CEO of Betr, in a statement.“We now have two nationwide gaming products live in our single Betr app available to users in a single wallet.”
Betr says it will be releasing additional new products over the coming months.
5
Yaccarino appoints eMed’s next COO
eMed Population Health announced the appointment of Amy Elkins as Chief Operating Officer. The move closely follows Linda Yaccarino’s appointment as CEO last month. Elkins, who like Yaccarino also arrives from X, will lead eMed’s operational strategy and execution across enterprise solutions, with a focus on scaling the company’s GLP-1 and preemptive care platform for employers and payers worldwide.
In her previous roles, Elkins served as X’s Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, President of Marketing at STX Entertainment and held various executive posts at Mindshare, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and MEC. Elkins is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a graduate of UCLA.
“Amy is a true innovator,” said Yaccarino. “She has a rare ability to identify transformational opportunities, lead with purpose, and scale organizations with measurable impact. Her commitment to health equity and operational excellence makes her the ideal leader to guide eMed’s next phase of growth.”
6
Miami-based Anaplan acquires Syrup Tech
Anaplan, a Miami-based company providing an AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform designed to optimize decision-making, acquired Syrup Tech, a New York City-based AI-native supply chain platform that enables global retailers and inventory-intensive businesses to plan, buy, price, and allocate with confidence. The amount of the deal was not disclosed.
Led by CEO Charlie Gottdiener, Anaplan is an AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform provider designed to optimize decision-making by building connections and collaboration across organizational silos. It is used by more than 2,500 brands, including nearly half of the Fortune 500, the company said.
“This deal signals that when it comes to AI, real impact outweighs hype. Syrup is already delivering measurable value for many of today’s leading omnichannel brands, helping retailers drive smarter and more granular decisions that boost margins, improve sell-through, and optimize inventory,” said Gottdiener.
Syrup Tech employees will join Anaplan’s team.
7
New World Angels launches Space Coast chapter
New World Angels, a Boca Raton-based angel investors network with over 100 members across the state, has launched New World Angels Space Coast, an initiative designed to catalyze investment in early-stage companies advancing space, satellite, aerospace, and dual-use technologies within the global hub for aerospace innovation.
New World’s Space Coast investment group is co-chaired by Richard Greco, a seasoned executive with a track record of leading global satellite and terrestrial communications companies. He served as CEO of ICO Global, was a founding executive at Orion Network Systems, and founder of Bulldog Broadband, the UK’s second largest DSL service provider before its acquisition by Cable & Wireless.
“Space Coast is New World Angels’ fifth investment group; preceded by Consumer Products, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Industrial Products, and Information Technologies,” said New World Angels President Ron Tarro. “We see an opportunity to extend Florida Space Coast’s position as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.”
8
Gemini Sports partners with AS Monaco
Gemini Sports, a Miami-based provider of AI-powered squad planning & player trading solutions, announced a multi-year agreement with AS Monaco, a prestigious French football club competing in Ligue 1. This partnership marks an important step in how AS Monaco’s front office leverages modern technology in their football operations.
Gemini Sports’ platform unifies disparate information sources like scouting reports, market research, event & tracking data into one intuitive system, empowering clubs with lightning-fast insights that are easy for anyone to use. Gemini will enable AS Monaco’s staff to collaborate seamlessly, ensuring every decision—from scouting prospects in new markets to future-proofing the squad—is thoughtful and efficient.
“This project has long been on the cutting edge,” said Jake Schuster, Founder & CEO of Gemini Sports. “Partnering with AS Monaco and their experienced operators, including Rodrigo Picchioni and Vignesh Jayanth, validates Gemini’s ambition to support the most ambitious and forward-thinking clubs in the world.”
Gemini Sports also has partnerships in global football in England, Italy and the Americas.
9
CareerSource Broward launches AI playbook for SMBs
With the fast-paced forward movement of AI integration into business, CareerSource Broward is creating AI Playbook for Small and Medium-Sized Employers. This initiative will be the first resource of its kind in the region, providing practical strategies to help local businesses understand, adopt, and benefit from AI.
“CareerSource Broward is leading the way in developing an AI playbook that will tech-enable Broward County employers to become more competitive,” said Jim Ryan, chair of the Broward Workforce Development Board. “This initiative reinforces our commitment to helping employers navigate new technologies while ensuring our workforce has the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven economy.”
10
Jobs, jobs, jobs
Brightline – Director of Partnerships
Chewy – Graphic Designer
Chewy – Launch Operations Manager
DoorLoop – Head of DevOps
Kira – AI Platform Engineer
Kira – Product Led Growth Engineer
MAJORITY – Customer Operations Manager
MAJORITY – Product Operations Analyst
Payabli – Risk Analyst
ResQ – Full Stack Engineer
SageSure – Staff Software Engineer
And hundreds more jobs on the Refresh Miami job board here.
PLUS
Opportunity knocks
- Shellhacks, the largest student-run hackathon, is happening on FIU’s campus on Sept. 26-28 and is an opportunity for students and recent graduates (up to a year) from any university to learn new tech, meet top companies, and build innovative projects. Find out more and register at Shellhacks.net.
- eMerge Americas is hosting the ¡CELEBRAR! Pitch Competition next month and it’s open to all Hispanic/LatinX founders. The winner of the competition Oct. 15 will receive a $2,500 grant prize and be fast-tracked to the eMerge Global Startup Accelerator + Showcase 2026. Enter the contest 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 22 (deadline extended).
- 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 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: Mappa raises $3.4M to reimagine hiring through AI-powered behavioral intelligence
· Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew raises $20M Series B led by WME Group, at a $215M valuation
· Unrivaled’s valuation grows to $340M with Series B that includes Serena Ventures
· Climb Credit acquires Career Karma to shape the future of career training access
· Sergey Oreshko swapped snow for sand and built a healthtech empire
· Fort Lauderdale on the rise: New report shows how tech and finance combine to fuel economic strength
· SkyWind Solutions is bringing hyperlocal tide forecasts to Florida’s coastal communities
· Dispatch raises $18M to fix wealth management’s data problem
· How Dingdoor is fueling small business growth in South Florida
· And much more paywall-free news here.
Have news to report? Email Nancy Dahlberg at [email protected] 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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