Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce & Foundation

This opening will set the stage for a day focused on the future of Florida’s economy—where breakthrough technologies, research & development, high-growth industries, and strategic investment converge. Learn how leaders across business, government, and education are working together to turn Florida’s innovation potential into a competitive edge. Plus, a first look at the Coolest Things Made in Florida celebrating manufacturing excellence.

Key Takeaways:
-Why innovation is central to Florida’s long-term economic success
-How Florida is fueling growth in tech, venture capital, and R&D to beat states like Washington and Virginia
-What opportunities lie ahead—and how you can be part of the yearlong movement

J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, FloridaCommerce

This powerful keynote will outline the bold vision and strategic investments shaping Florida’s rise as a global innovation economy. From semiconductors to smart cities, and from defense tech to digital health, Florida is no longer just a growth state—it’s becoming a launchpad for world-changing ideas. Florida's Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly will share how state policy, workforce development, and public-private partnerships are aligning to fuel investment, attract high-impact industries, and expand prosperity across Florida’s communities. This keynote will set the tone for a forward-looking conversation on Florida’s future—and directly lead into a fireside chat with one of the most influential investors in innovation, Cathie Wood.

Key Takeaways:
-How Florida is positioning itself as a national leader in tech, R&D, and advanced industries
-The role of policy, workforce, and investment in building a future-ready economy
-Why now is the moment to engage in Florida’s innovation agenda

David Clark, CEO & Founder, Allegiant Strategies

AI is rapidly redrawing the map of global economic power—and Florida’s ability to lead in this new era depends on how we navigate disruption. This session explores where Florida is gaining ground in AI-enabled industries, where gaps remain, and how Florida's innovation ecosystem can turn volatility into opportunity.

Key Takeaways:
-Where Florida is winning—and at risk—in the AI-driven economy
-How global investment and industrial trends are shifting because of AI
-What’s needed for Florida to become a top-tier AI and innovation hub

J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, FloridaCommerce

Cathie Wood, Founder, CEO & CIO, ARK Invest

This dynamic conversation explores the forces converging to make Florida a magnet for next-gen industries. Gain perspective on how visionary investment, access to capital, and entrepreneurial talent are creating new opportunities across Florida—and what’s needed to scale that momentum. From AI and automation to biotech and advanced systems, disruptive technologies are accelerating economic transformation—and Florida is increasingly where that future is being built.

Key Takeaways:
-Why Florida is gaining attention as a launchpad for high-growth, innovation-driven companies
-What market and tech trends are shaping investment strategies in 2025 and beyond
-How Florida can continue to lead in emerging sectors through strategic collaboration and innovation

Dr. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida (Moderator)

Dr. Nathan Boyd, Professor and Associate Director of Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, University of Florida

Gary Wishnatski, Owner, Wish Farms and Co-Founder, Harvest CROO Robotics

Dr. James Henningsen, President, College of Central Florida

This panel will discuss the transformation of Florida agriculture as a tech sector through university- and industry-based innovation, as well as development of an agricultural technology (AgTech) workforce that is tech-savvy and AI-literate. Hear from the de facto CEO of R&D for Florida agriculture and innovators in higher education, technology, and workforce development about how Florida is uniquely positioned to soar in this space as it plays a central role in feeding a world in which food production must virtually double by 2050.

Key Takeaways:
-Florida is poised to lead the nation in AgTech and artificial intelligence, including advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
-Developing AgTech will boost resilience to labor shortages, foreign competition including China, and pests and disease. It will also boost the economy of Florida’s rural counties.
-There is tremendous opportunity and need for startup businesses, investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to drive agriculture’s “Fourth Revolution.”

Mark Glickman, President & CEO, BioFlorida (Moderator)

Dr. Josh Carpenter, President, SPEROS FL

Jason Matuszewski, Chairman and CEO, BioStem Technologies

Florida’s life sciences and BioTech sector is scaling rapidly—driven by research breakthroughs, regenerative technologies, and billion-dollar development strategies that tie medicine directly to economic mobility. From leading-edge academic medical research and biotech commercialization to site development and startup scaling, this session brings together top voices shaping the future of Florida’s health innovation economy. With perspectives spanning academic medicine, biotech entrepreneurship, and regional innovation strategy, the conversation will highlight how Florida is connecting world-class research to real-world growth—from the launch of Moffitt Cancer Center SPEROS FL to new advances in cellular therapies, brain health, and human performance.

Key Takeaways:
-How public and private sector leaders are advancing Florida’s life sciences economy through research, site development, and commercialization
-What cutting-edge innovations—like regenerative biotech and personalized medicine—mean for Florida’s workforce, health outcomes, and economic development
-Why now is the time for cross-sector collaboration to grow Florida’s footprint in biotech, clinical research, and human performance

Linda Olson, CEO, Tampa Bay Wave (Moderator)

A new wave of economic opportunity is emerging from Florida’s coastlines. BlueTech—where ocean data, clean energy, advanced sensors, and sustainable marine industries converge—is attracting federal investment, startup activity, and national attention. These technological developments support landlocked industries too--from the defense industry to our utility grid resiliency. This session explores how Florida is becoming a leader in the ocean innovation economy—and why collaboration across cities, industry sectors, and postsecondary research institutions is the key to unlocking its full potential. Learn how public-private partnerships, cross-regional collaboration, and bold thinking are creating a scalable model for innovation in Florida—and what it means for businesses looking to lead in a fast-growing, sustainable tech vertical.

Key Takeaways:
-How Florida is positioning itself as the national leader in BlueTech innovation
-How business leaders can engage early in this emerging and investable industry
-Why strategic collaboration across regions and sectors amplifies economic impact, and how you can replicate this model for economic development in your region (even outside of BlueTech)

Jason Mahon, Deputy Secretary of Economic Development & Chief Manufacturing Officer, FloridaCommerce (Moderator)

Aundra Wallace, President, JAXUSA Partnership

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., CEO, Jacksonville Transit Authority

Florida’s advanced manufacturing sector is fueling Florida's next era of economic development—powered by high-value infrastructure, innovation hubs, and strategic public-private partnerships. This session highlights how Florida successfully landed a transformative manufacturing investment in Jacksonville, demonstrating a replicable model for other communities looking to grow industry and expand their economic base. With a focus on real-world execution and impact, this panel offers a blueprint for attracting, scaling, and sustaining advanced industry across Florida and why advanced manufacturing is a tenant of Florida's rural economic growth.

Key Takeaways:
-How Florida is leveraging innovation and infrastructure to land high-tech manufacturing investments
-What the Holon site selection reveals about effective regional economic development strategies
-Why manufacturing growth is vital to Florida’s long-term competitiveness—especially in rural and emerging markets

As Florida’s tech economy expands—from AI and life sciences to smart infrastructure and advanced manufacturing—cybersecurity has become foundational to ensuring stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth. This segment will explore how cybersecurity innovation, research, and cross-sector readiness are positioning Florida as a national leader in protecting digital infrastructure while opening the door to new industries and investment opportunities. Through the lens of statewide efforts and national partnerships, this talk will unpack how cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT function—but a strategic advantage for Florida’s future economy.

Key Takeaways:
-Why cybersecurity is critical to Florida’s economic resilience and innovation-driven growth
-How Florida’s leadership in cybersecurity research and innovation is creating competitive advantages
-What’s at stake for public and private sector leaders—and how to engage in strengthening Florida's cybersecurity ecosystem

Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research, Florida Chamber Foundation

This fast-paced, insight-driven segment brings together key themes from across the Summit—through the lens of data, research, and economic impact. From manufacturing to BlueTech, AI to venture capital, and from rural innovation to urban acceleration, this research update unpacks how Florida’s tech and innovation ecosystem is shaping Florida's long-term economic trajectory. Backed by the latest data and real-time trends including TheFloridaScorecard.org and FLChamber.com/Research/Research-Programs, this presentation connects the industries, investments, and ideas driving Florida toward its 2030 Blueprint goals.

Key Takeaways:
-Fresh data on Florida’s economic performance and its alignment with tech and innovation growth
-What today’s presentations reveal about Florida’s competitive edge across sectors and regions
-Why the next phase of Florida’s growth will depend on collaboration, infrastructure, and bold investment

Rhea Law, President, University of South Florida

Rachel Ludwig, Vice President of Future of Work Florida, Florida Chamber Foundation (Moderator)

As Florida’s innovation economy accelerates, preparing a workforce that can lead in AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences is more urgent than ever. This session explores how Florida’s education institutions are building talent pipelines aligned with Florida's economic transformation—through cutting-edge programs, regional partnerships, and industry collaboration. From K-12 through higher education, Florida is innovating how we train, upskill, and connect talent to opportunity. Learn how initiatives like USF’s new Bellini College of AI and Cybersecurity are redefining what it means to be workforce-ready in a tech-driven economy—and why business leaders have a critical role to play in shaping the future of education.

Key Takeaways:
-How Florida’s education sector is evolving to support an innovation-driven economy
-Why cross-sector partnerships are essential for developing tech-aligned talent pipelines
-What business leaders can do now to strengthen education-to-industry pathways

Florida Representative John Snyder, Chair, Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee

Florida’s rise as an innovation-driven economy requires strategic, future-focused policy. From targeted investments and smart regulation to infrastructure and workforce development, Florida’s leaders are shaping a policy environment designed to attract capital, grow startups, and strengthen our global competitiveness. This session explores how innovation-focused policies are fueling economic development in sectors like AI, life sciences, AgTech and advanced manufacturing—and how Florida can stay ahead of peer states by continuing to support pro-growth, pro-innovation state policy.

Key Takeaways:
-How policy and incentives are supporting Florida’s tech and innovation ecosystem
-What distinguishes Florida’s approach from other high-growth innovation states
-Why a forward-thinking policy environment is critical to scaling opportunity statewide

Paul Sohl, CEO, Florida High Tech Corridor

Robert Harvey, President & Executive Director, Florida Opportunity Fund (Moderator)

Kevin Burgoyne, President and CEO, Florida Venture Forum

Mitchel Laskey, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, DeepWork Capital

TJ Villamil, President of Business Development, eMerge Americas

Florida is the #1 state for new business startups—yet venture capital deployment lags behind our innovation potential and we aren't yet a Top 3 state for VC funding. This session brings together leading investors and ecosystem builders to tackle a critical question: What will it take to match Florida’s entrepreneurial energy with the capital needed to scale? Hear actionable insights from those working at the intersection of public and private VC investment, and national venture networks. Learn how Florida can outpace competitor states, attract more growth-stage funding, and position itself as a top-tier destination for tech investment, innovation, and commercialization.

Key Takeaways:
-Explore the factors shaping Florida’s current VC landscape—and the levers to unlock new growth
-Learn how collaboration among investors, accelerators, and public leaders can strengthen Florida’s capital ecosystem
-Discover how curated deal flow, founder visibility, and statewide platforms can attract and retain venture investment

Kevin Burgoyne, President and CEO, Florida Venture Forum (Judge)

Robert Harvey, President & Executive Director, Florida Opportunity Fund (Judge)

Mitchel Laskey, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, DeepWork Capital (Judge)

Linda Olson, CEO, Tampa Bay Wave (Judge)

TJ Villamil, President of Business Development, eMerge Americas

Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research, Florida Chamber Foundation (MC)

Watch the future of Florida’s innovation economy unfold live on stage. For 50 minutes, this fast-paced pitch session will feature some of the most promising startups and emerging tech companies from across Florida—each selected through a competitive application process and paired with a high-profile judge from the venture capital and economic development community.

Whether you're an investor, business leader, or ecosystem builder, this session offers a front-row seat to the ideas and founders shaping Florida’s next wave of high-growth innovation. Finalists will present one-on-one in a conversational Q&A with one judge and will be scored by our entire panel of expert judges for feedback, exposure, and a chance at prizes—including an invitation to present on stage at the nation's largest 2026 annual pitch event with VC investors.

Key Takeaways:
-Meet Florida-based startups tackling real-world challenges with scalable, investable solutions
-See how public-private investment, innovation districts, and accelerators are fueling early-stage success
-Understand what investors and funders are looking for in Florida’s evolving startup ecosystem

Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber & Foundation

This closing segment brings together the Summit’s most powerful insights—highlighting how Florida’s innovation ecosystem, public-private partnerships, and research assets are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth. As Florida charts a path to becoming a top 10 global economy, this conclusion will connect the day’s themes to the Florida 2030 Blueprint and offer a clear call to action for leaders across sectors. The future of Florida’s economy will be built by those who invest, collaborate, and lead with vision. Let’s move forward—together.

Key Takeaways:
-A synthesis of key insights from across the Summit’s agenda
-Why innovation, infrastructure, and investment are central to Florida’s economic transformation
-How you can take action in your region or sector to help advance the Florida 2030 Blueprint goals