Broadcast from the Synapse Summit studio at Embarc Collective, we’ll help you make the most of the day ahead with innovation news and opportunities for you to celebrate, discover and engage! We are kicking off each day with a guide to help you maximize your day at the 2021 Synapse Summit. Each morning, Lauren and Brian will bring to you wins to celebrate, innovations to discover, and innovators to engage with upcoming over that day. Tune in to find out more!
We've chosen 8 big picture themes that showcase exciting areas of growth in Florida. We'll share what stands out about this theme and what to expect in today's track.
We've chosen 8 big picture themes that showcase exciting areas of growth in Florida. We'll share what stands out about this theme and what to expect in today's track.
Tampa General Hospital is the first and largest teaching hospital in the state, leading the way in innovation and education. Tampa General Hospital is involved in new clinical trials, new ways to deliver world-class care, and launching new, futuristic enterprises. Join Tampa General’s President & CEO, John Couris at the Synapse Summit to learn more about the innovative ways this academic medical center continues to expand its footprint across the state!
Since the 1980s, Florida Power & Light has been working to advance solar in Florida, and today, we are able to build solar plants cost-effectively – meaning they save our customers money over time. We’re adding more solar all the time while keeping our customers’ bills among the lowest in the nation.
Already one of the cleanest energy companies in the nation, FPL recently announced a groundbreaking ’30-by-30’ plan to install 30 million solar panels by 2030, making Florida a world leader in solar energy. This year, solar will outpace coal and oil combined as a percentage of FPL’s energy mix. In other words, we’ll soon be generating more energy from the sun than from power plants fueled by coal and oil.
Learn more about how FPL is harnessing the power of the sunshine state.
Jabil is a Fortune 150 company with 260,000 employees in 30 countries. With this global reach, they are a world leader in innovative and technologically advanced manufacturing solutions. How has this geographically dispersed powerhouse expanded its competitive advantage during the global pandemic, which disrupted communities, supply chains and businesses around the world? Dr. Steven C. Currall, president of the University of South Florida and scholar of the business innovation process, will lead an engaging fireside chat conversation with Jabil CEO Mark Mondello to explore the success of Jabil’s strategy for innovation and collaboration as a digitally-connected global enterprise.
Agile is an approach and mindset that helps teams deliver value faster and allows for greater innovation and efficiency. In this workshop, you'll learn the essential tools to implement an Agile approach in any business. With more than 55,000 employees, Agile's way of working have become ingrained in PwC's culture. You'll leave this session with tangible tips you can use to implement the agile mindset right away.
Clean water is the essence of life and directly determines the sustainability of our future, but in many regions, it has been contaminated by long lasting and toxic pollutants. This session will explore how ecoSPEARS, the industry’s first green cleanup solution for PCB and Dioxin contaminated sediment, soil and groundwater, is healing the world’s waterways by using their innovative, NASA developed technology to remove and destroy those ‘forever’ chemicals permanently.
Healthtech and life sciences continues to be one of Florida's most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors, rich with talent and entrepreneurs, cutting edge research and investment opportunity.
Florida's biotech companies have increased by 174% in the past decade, nearly triple the national average.* And Florida is home to more than 1,100 biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and more than 46,000 healthcare establishments.**
In this session you'll hear from Rachel Feinman, the first Vice President of Innovation at Tampa General Hospital about TGH Innoventures which will launch in 2021 to align TGH's investment activities to drive innovation. She will also speak with Florida leaders in healthcare investing about the opportunities, challenges and current state of healthcare investing.
*Statistics from BioFlorida **Statistics from Enterprise Florida
Explore how AI is changing the way hospitals operate and care is administered. The increasing focus of AI in healthcare begs the question of how and to what extent AI systems will eventually replace human cognition. Learn more about this fascinating topic from Dr. Pete Chang, TGH’s VP of Care Transitions and leader of TGH’s ground breaking GE-powered CareComm command center. Dr. Chang will take attendees on a real time tour of CareComm and illustrate how this incredible technology improves care and increases operational efficiency at TGH.
Celebrate and recognize women making history on Monday, March 8th, International Women’s Day, by joining Coach Lo of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a conversation about leadership. Coach Lo, and fellow coach Maral Javadifar, were the first full time female coaches in the NFL and recently became the first female coaches on a team to win a Super Bowl Championship. We’ll talk with Coach Lo about leadership, creating opportunity and success.
Discover some of Florida's most innovative companies in the Synapse Virtual Exhibition experience hosted via Brella.
Exclusive for GA+ and VIP ticket holders.
Full Sail University is proud to collaborate with AdventHealth University in a new tech partnership. Using Full Sail University's technical expertise and AdventHealth University's medical expertise, a team of highly skilled talent are working together collectively, and have already built an award-winning virtual medical command center earning the coveted “Most Innovation Solution” distinction. Join the Full Sail and AHU team of experts as they discuss this virtual reality (VR) solution prototype, which serves as a proof of concept for a virtual command center to aide healthcare facilities and systems nationwide, like AdventHealth, to visualize hospital resources and COVID-19 data points, and allowing healthcare providers to quickly make real-time decisions by visualizing the distribution and allocation of resources.
Tune-in to learn about the City of Orlando's journey of becoming one of the leading cities at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Chris Castro will dive into specific strategies that are working to advance decarbonization, zero-waste, electrification, and more in Orlando and beyond.
Be sure to view the attachment to view the presentation referenced in this session.
Today's Keynote Speakers will share their insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation that's shaping Florida's future:
Daymond John, Founder & CEO of FUBU and Star of ABC's Shark Tank
Eric Silagy, CEO, Florida Power & Light Company
Rep. Kathy Castor, Chair, House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Live with Daymond John, Founder & CEO of FUBU; Star of ABC's The Shark Tank; Best-Selling Author
Famed for his presence on ABC's Shark Tank and the founding of FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer, Daymond John has forged an entrepreneurial path paved with highs and lows that have shaped the innovator he is today. Outside the Tank, Daymond shares his marketing and brand building prowess as a highly influential consultant, motivational speaker, and New York Times best-selling author. He was recently named #2 on the Top Voices of U.S. Influencers by LinkedIn for his ongoing support of small businesses and founders while sharing his story of failure and journey to rebuilding.
Daymond John will join Synapse CEO Brian Kornfeld for a personal conversation sharing the importance of being present, focused, and driven in your entrepreneurial journey, especially in the wake of trying times. Daymond will take questions from Florida entrepreneurs and share the key insights to his success as an entrepreneur.
Have you ever wanted to get personal interaction with a shark? This is your chance! 15 VIPs, to be chosen at random on March 5th, will be invited to join this intimate roundtable. Register for your VIP ticket by March 5th in order to be eligible.
Meet the 6 companies selected for the inaugural 35 Mules Innovation Hub, hosted by Florida Power & Light Company, with innovations in energy, water and "energy-adjacent" industries.
FPL has committed $1 million in grants for entrepreneurs accepted into the program, in addition to about $1.5 million in resources for their startups. Entrepreneurs will receive dedicated workspace in FPL's Juno Beach headquarters; access to experts in energy sectors including renewables, solar and smart grid; free executive coaching and a grant of at least $50,000 each to scale their businesses.
35 mules were part of the unlikely beginnings of Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy, a world leader in wind and solar energy, and battery storage. With over 30 years as technology pioneers, FPL and NEE have a wealth of insights, skills and solutions that can help early-stage startups bring their brightest ideas to life faster, smarter and at scale.
Are you a start-up founder, early stage investor or part of a business looking to work more closely with emerging tech companies? Hear directly from TGH’s Director of Emerging Technology, Jason Swoboda, about the process from organizational need to pilot.
The past 12 months have shined a unique light on company cultures and values. Both good and bad practices have been unexpectedly highlighted, challenging us to find new ways to support wellbeing with our teams…and ourselves.
In this conversation, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Milanak will share the scientific research the team at PAR, Psychological Assessment Resources and InVista, and engage in a discussion on this important topic of workplace culture and wellbeing with two leading CEOs: Kristin Greco, CEO of PAR and InVista, a company dedicated to improving the lives of others via scientifically-based insights and Roger Germann, the President & CEO of The Florida Aquarium, a non-profit organization that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and cares for 9,000 animals in their facility.
Building an in-person network and closing those connections into customers is how you create sustainable revenue growth for your company. Eric Baum (CEO and founder of the Tampa-based digital marketing agency Bluleadz) and Aakash Patel (founder and president of the business development consulting firm Elevate, Inc.) share how to align your networking with your digital sales efforts to deliver value while nurturing connections into customers.
Meet two Innovation Leaders at Tampa General Hospital and the leaders of two Florida-based startups Odoro and Agathos - whose solutions are used by Tampa General Hospital. They'll share the challenges and opportunities of the implementation process that can help healthtech founders position themselves for a successful partnership.
Meet the finalists selected for the HealthTech Innovation Award! Then join us LIVE on Thursday, March 11th at 4:30 for the Synapse Innovation Awards with Special Guest, Steve Galanis, CEO of Cameo, to find out who was selected as the winner!
Discover some of Florida's most innovative companies in the Synapse Virtual Exhibition experience hosted via Brella.
Exclusive for GA+ and VIP ticket holders.
We know that self care and mindful moments are essential to our personal and professional wellbeing. In this gathering, Dr. Melissa Milanak will guide us through the practices that can help us create greater focus, reduce tension, and generate positive and productive energy.
GA+ and VIP Ticket holders are invited to join this interactive session on the Brella platform.
Meet the finalists selected for the CleanTech Innovation Award! Then join us LIVE on Thursday, March 11th at 4:30 for the Synapse Innovation Awards with Special Guest, Steve Galanis, CEO of Cameo, to find out who was selected as the winner!
Symbiotic Origin
Join us for a fireside chat with Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, the first and leading medical cannabis company in the state of Florida with 51% of the Florida market share. Kim will speak with Chris Rux, partner with Cherry Bekaert LLP, about her entrepreneurial journey in building a profitable company that has seen tremendous growth in the wake of the pandemic. Rivers will share her insights for developing a customer-centric organization, lessons learned in launching and scaling a company, her outlook for the cannabis industry, its impact, and opportunities for growth through technology.
Chris Rux, partner with Cherry Bekaert LLP -- a top 25 accounting & advisory firm -- has extensive experience serving clients within the Technology and Healthcare & Life Sciences sectors, including multi-state Cannabis operators with cultivation and dispensary operations. Clients in these sectors depend on Chris to help them maximize opportunities for innovation and profitable growth. As a member of the Firm’s Executive Board and industry practice leader, Chris is responsible for overseeing relationships to ensure a coordinated and seamless service experience.
Hear from women leaders about opportunities for innovation, and lessons learned in building life science companies in Florida. Explore the importance of relationships with Florida Universities, raising capital in Florida, and accessing human resources and patient populations.
Innovation Park of Tallahassee announces exciting news for Northern Florida. EDA is funding a 40,000 sf high-tech business incubator featuring wet labs and prototyping shops. Also, a major expansion of an international manufacturer of oil-less compressors is adding 200+ high-paying jobs, while several Park members are creating innovative products showcased on QVC, those perfecting solid-state Li-ion batteries, others perfecting energy intelligence and controls, as scientists and engineers are receiving assistance with federal grant opportunities.
In the face of an emerging, rapidly changing crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders need accurate, complete information to make critical decisions that can save lives -- and they need it fast. An effective response to a threat like COVID-19 relies on a complex and interconnected web of hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, government agencies, and community resources, all connected by a robust digital infrastructure that gets the right data to the right people at the right time. For the past 17 years, Ruvos has been building and strengthening this nationwide data infrastructure, working with national non-profits, federal and state agencies.
Public health is inherently interdisciplinary--and requires technology that is, too. Since 2004, Tallahassee-based Ruvos has been a national health technology leader, integrating cloud computing, interoperability, data science, and cyber security to build and maintain much of the country’s public health tech infrastructure.
Public health technology enables us to detect and contain infectious disease outbreaks, screen newborns for threatening congenital conditions, support vaccine distribution, monitor environmental impacts on vulnerable populations. Just as weaknesses and outages in the electric grid can interrupt critical functions of our society, weak or outdated technology can bring these vital public health functions to a halt and further entrench disasters like the pandemic. In addition to responding to the immediate and urgent needs of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruvos is leading the way in bringing about significant and sustained investment in the continued modernization and improvement of our ‘public health grid,’ improving the health and vitality of our country and world.
International tech firms are discovering Florida and are getting the attention of local providers (and investors) who are looking for creative solutions. Hear first hand from Dr. Oren Milstein, CEO of StemRad, Eran Orr, CEO of XR Health, and Irna Hutabarat, Head of Sales for Uniper Care, about their journeys entering the Florida market during one of the most challenging years for startups. Rakefet Phillips will be moderating.
Broadcast from the Synapse Summit studio at Embarc Collective, we’ll help you make the most of the day ahead with innovation news and opportunities for you to celebrate, discover and engage! We are kicking off each day with a guide to help you maximize your day at the 2021 Synapse Summit. Each morning, Lauren and Brian will bring to you wins to celebrate, innovations to discover, and innovators to engage with upcoming over that day. Tune in to find out more!
We've chosen 8 big picture themes that showcase exciting areas of growth in Florida. We'll share what stands out about this theme and what to expect in today's track.
COVID-19 brought technology’s ever-present use and advancement to the forefront of conversation around the globe. Hear from our panel of experts including Full Sail’s Ean Meyer and Jay Bunner-Sorg as they discuss recent industry trends, the cybersecurity challenges businesses have faced during the pandemic, and the growing need for highly skilled professionals with a deep understanding of how to identify potential threats, respond to incidents and protect vital information assets.
In the era of information overload and exponential advances in technology, Open Source Intelligence as a methodology, analytical framework, and technology agnostic approach allows practitioners to validate reliable information and transform that information into actionable intelligence. The power of OSINT is immense with applications ranging from identifying threats to national security, recovering missing children, evaluating and managing corporate social risk, and making more informed business decisions. Join serial entrepreneur Andy Wilson, OSINT innovator and intelligence officer Buddy Jericho, and analytics and technology pro Heather Buchanan to learn how OSINT is changing the face of intelligence as we know it and transforming Military, Law Enforcement, and Business success.
*This live chat for VIP ticket holders will be presented virtually AND with limited in person attendance from our broadcast headquarters in downtown Tampa. VIPs who would like to join in person can register here; please note our in person participation is compliant with all COVID-19 safety precautions.
Jeff Hoffman is a long-time friend of Synapse and Florida's innovation community. A keynote speaker at the 2020 Synapse Summit and inaugural 2020 Synapse Converge, he's shared his advice on entrepreneurship from the mainstage. Now we get the chance to have an intimate dialogue with one of the most successful and inspirational entrepreneurs in the world.
Jeff Hoffman is someone who gets things done. He’s an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known successful startups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com, uBid.com and more.
Jeff will star in Going Public, a new original series that allows viewers to invest in featured companies at the IPO price. Customers and fans can now gain ownership in the companies they know and admire alongside institutional investors as the series unfolds. Watch for the premier of Going Public later this summer.
Jeff is also the Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Network, serving as a global ambassador for the power and importance of entrepreneurship, inspiring millions through his passion and commitment.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for 17 deep draft harbors and 20 shallow draft harbors in Florida and the Caribbean, and 900 miles of navigable inland waterways. They protect the shoreline, respond to disasters, and conduct billions of dollars of construction throughout the state. Come meet the General in charge of the Corps in Florida and learn what's happening next.
Scott Price is an entrepreneur at heart. It’s been over a decade since he launched A-LIGN to help companies evaluate and secure against cyber risks. In this Q&A session, learn how Scott navigated a growing company through a global pandemic – both the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime – and how the experience has shifted his mindset as a leader and innovator in the industry.
Innovative enterprises consistently require engaging, agile and activist leadership for sustainability. Beyond developing exceptional products and services, effective leaders shape visionary, intrapreneurial cultures and master the organizational mindset necessary to lead through chaos. In this interactive workshop, LaFern Kitt Batie, CEO of The Batie Group, will share the practical tools she's used with Fortune 500 clients like Bloomin' Brands, Boeing, Aramark and many others to help them unlock and harness the innovation potential in their teams.
A year into our new reality of virtual meetings, we've learned what keeps people engaged and teams connected -- and what doesn't. In this hands-on session, we'll share with you the tools PwC Difference Makers uses to work effectively, keep it fun and help everyone thrive in our virtual world.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has established the Magic City as Florida's top destination for investors and major companies ready to make the most of Florida's talent-rich cities and sandy beaches. In this live conversation with Mayor Suarez, we'll have the chance to speak with him about his approach to true community engagement, his vision for Miami's growth as an innovation hub and how he's mastered the Twitterverse.
Discover some of Florida's most innovative companies in the Synapse Virtual Exhibition experience hosted via Brella.
Exclusive for GA+ and VIP ticket holders.
Miami has long been a hive of dynamic and diverse innovation activity. Meet some of the leaders who've been building the foundations that are now being recognized by entrepreneurs and investors coming to the Magic City.
Saif Ishoof was recently appointed Senior Advisor for Innovation & Technology by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, building on his leadership as Vice President of Engagement at Florida International University.
He'll speak about entrepreneurship and investing in Miami with these special guests:
Melissa Krinzman, the City of Miami's first Venture Capitalist in Residence, and co-founder and managing partner at Krillion Ventures, a Miami-first fund where she brings her 25 years of experience to support seed-stage investments.
Jeanine Suah, co-founder of Thynk Global, an in-person and online community created by - and for - Miami's black female founders to help them grow and scale their businesses and gain access to capital and investment.
Phillipe Saint-Just, co-founder and SVP of Product with Reef Technology, which transforms underutilized urban spaces into neighborhood hubs through a network of 4500 locations and more than 15,000 employees in 200 cities.
Women make up about 20% of the global cybersecurity workforce, and that number continues to climb.
In this discussion, we'll hear from women who are leading in this industry from leading a successful cybersecurity company to launching a start-up, from shaping initiatives within the US military to launching a new accelerator dedicated to fostering cybersecurity startups.
They'll talk about the unique perspective that women bring to a cybersecurity team, how companies can attract and retain women, and how Florida is poised to be a leader in the industry.
With exciting advancements in technology like those seen in space science come questions like What's Next? In turn, with the introduction of new technology comes a need for the protection of those assets. Join a discussion with the leaders driving this explosive growth: Mike McConnell, Executive Director of Cyber Florida, and Frank DiBello, CEO of Space Florida and Jamal Sowell, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida. They'll share the parallels of space and cyber and what we could expect in the next decade of the two industries. Going beyond the tech and discussing the people element, they'll share their insights on the human capital needed to take us into the future of space and cyber and how we can all be better stewards of our tech assets to protect ourselves from cyber-attacks.
Like many government agencies, NASA is reconsidering its role in the entrepreneurial eco-system. In order to remain on the cutting edge of research and development we must be able to effectively tap into the private sector innovators. This talk focuses on opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to engage with NASA and opportunities to inform NASA's entrepreneurial engagement strategy going forward.
Today, ConnectWise is a billion dollar company operating out of their headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Before their acquisition by Silicon Valley private equity firm Thoma Bravo in February 2019, they were a founder-led company created 40 years ago to deliver a software platform for technology solutions providers. Along the way, they developed an engaging and inclusive culture, investing in developing leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences and giving them space to rise based on demonstrated grit and expertise, not resume or pedigree.
Since growing into a global enterprise with more than 2,500 employees, ConnectWise continues iterating and innovating to ensure all team members feel a sense of equity, balance and belonging, which has not always been easy.
Rising stars and senior leaders will share their honest experiences - the successes and challenges - and lessons learned to help companies of any stage and size ensure they are building their strongest and most engaged teams.
Be sure to check out the attachment below to learn about ConnectWise's guiding principles and core values.
If you are an innovative company who looks at the world of problems from a slightly different perspective that brings magnificent results, this opportunity may be right up your ally. MacDill AFB is seeking innovative solutions to 11 problem statements across a variety of areas of interest that include Engineering, Business Systems, Logistics, Information Systems, Health and Safety, and Military Operations. We are reaching out to innovative small businesses through non-standard methods, to engage problem solvers that may not normally do business with the Air Force. Using a streamlined process that differs from our normal proposal requirements, companies will only have to provide a white paper and optional slide deck showing why their solution is the best for a particular problem. If your solution is selected you’ll be invited to a virtual Pitch Day to pitch your solution, and our intent is to make an award on the spot with an initial down payment of up to 15% for you to get started on the solution.
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Engineering, Business Systems,
Logistics, Information Systems, Health and Safety, Military Operations
DESCRIPTION: The 6th Air Refueling Wing is a team of mission-ready warriors and professionals delivering innovative Agile Combat Support, enabling a full range of missions across MacDill Air Force Base. Operations include KC-135 maintenance and flying operations, maintaining security of the base, maintenance of communications infrastructure, facilities construction & maintenance, medical clinic operations, procurement, accounting, logistics, human resources, food services, community services, and media relations. The Air Force wishes to stay at the cutting edge of these various functions and technologies and is looking to partner with innovative small businesses that may have solutions to Air Force challenges.
Join this session and click here to learn more.
Cyber threats are an ever moving target, forcing many companies into a game of "whack-a-mole" to protect and defend their data. In the past year, well publicized hacks have even impacted cybersecurity companies, accelerating the need for innovations that meet today's challenges.
This panel will cover the biggest cyber threats to businesses and individuals today and an update on the latest technologies and innovations being developed right here in Florida as part of our state's exploding cyber industry.
Meet the finalists selected for the Cybersecurity Innovation Award! Then join us LIVE on Thursday, March 11th at 4:30 for the Synapse Innovation Awards with Special Guest, Steve Galanis, CEO of Cameo, to find out who was selected as the winner!
Paragon Cybersecurity Solutions
