We heard it first at eMerge Americas: A plan to solidify Southeast Florida’s position as the nation’s go-to entry point for global capital, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The big vision: a business and technology corridor from Miami to West Palm Beach, backed by infrastructure, universities, accelerators, and corporate support.
Now we are getting more details.
As a first step in the ambitious initiative, eMerge Americas, real estate firm Related Ross and the Florida Council of 100 have announced they are launching the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program.
The accelerator will launch this fall with two hybrid eight-week programs for startups that are already part of impactful, growing sectors in South Florida: fintech and dual-use/defense technology. Each program is designed to connect founders with resources, connections and access to mentorship from Florida’s top business leaders.
“This kind of opportunity can change the trajectory of a startup,” said Melissa Medina, CEO & Co-founder of eMerge Americas, in the announcement today. “It’s not often one gets access to the vast knowledge and experience of more than 200 CEOs who can lead you on a fast track to growth and success.”
Stephen Ross, CEO of Related Group and owner of the Miami Dolphins, said the accelerator program demonstrates the business community’s commitment to position the region as a leading tech hub. “We are witnessing a dynamic technology surge in this region, with more Fortune 500 tech companies considering South Florida as their next expansion opportunity,” Ross said.
The fintech program will take place in West Palm Beach, in spaces contributed by Related Ross. The dual-use and defense tech program will take place in Miami, with space contributed by The LAB Miami in Wynwood.
The programs include a Demo Day where standout startups will pitch their vision to members of The Florida Council of 100, an organization of over 200 business leaders of Florida-based businesses. “Companies can scale here and expand across the state learning ways to navigate various regions with advice from some of the brightest business minds in the world,” said Michael Simas, president & CEO of The Florida Council of 100.
About a dozen startups will likely be accepted into each track of the program. According to the organizers, they can expect direct access to top business leaders and investors, opportunities for corporate pilots and partnerships; meeting and collaboration space free to participants, and more.
Fintech has been South Florida’s leading sector for venture capital activity for at least the last five years. What’s more, Florida ranks second in the nation for finance and insurance GDP growth over the last 5 years, surpassing New York and California, the organizers said. Florida’s defense industry ranks second in the nation in the manufacturing of defense systems and aerospace products and has an economic impact of more than $100 billion annually.
eMerge Americas has always been more than their flagship conference, with events and programs throughout the year, including their Startup Showcase and related pitch competitions. The organization recently announced it is doubling down on AI and it provides Florida VC reports and other resources. But for startups, the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program could take eMerge’s mission and impact to another level.
To qualify for a spot in the program, a startup must have a demonstrable product ready to pilot test with corporate partnerships and is seeking to scale in Florida. Applications open on August 15 here: goldcoasttechfl.com.
Photo above: From left to right, Mike Simas, CEO of The Florida Council of 100, Stephen Ross of Related Ross, and Melissa Medina of eMerge Americas at the 2025 eMerge Americas conference.
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