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The South Florida Venture Tech Chronicle Blog goes beyond the headlines.
Here, founders, investors, and industry experts share their perspectives on emerging technologies, investment strategies, and the challenges shaping our innovation ecosystem.
Expect thought leadership, data-driven opinions, and long-form features that deepen understanding of where tech is headed next.
More Than Citadel: How Ken Griffin's Billions Are Reshaping Miami's Innovation Economy
Ken Griffin's growing investments in Miami extend far beyond Citadel. With billions committed to higher education, healthcare, research, and development, his influence could help shape South Florida's next generation of innovation and economic growth.
FAU Leads $5.7 Million Initiative to Improve Literacy and Prepare South Florida Educators for AI
Florida Atlantic University is leading a $5.7 million initiative to improve literacy in Broward County schools while preparing educators to use artificial intelligence responsibly. Through LEAP-AI, FAU and its partners aim to strengthen teacher training, expand career pathways, and build South Florida's future workforce.
From Streets to Skies: West Palm Beach Tackles Traffic Challenges Amid Economic Growth
West Palm Beach is exploring innovative transportation solutions as economic growth increases pressure on local infrastructure. Related Ross is advancing plans for an electric air taxi facility at CityPlace in partnership with Archer Aviation, potentially connecting major South Florida business hubs. Meanwhile, the city has launched West Palm Move, an all-electric transit network developed with Via that offers affordable fixed-route and on-demand transportation. Together, these initiatives highlight how emerging mobility technology could support South Florida's expanding business ecosystem.
Levita Magnetics Expands in Miami as Magnetic-Assisted Robotic Surgery Debuts in Florida
Levita Magnetics is expanding in Miami as its MARS robotic surgery platform makes its Florida debut at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. The technology combines magnetics and robotics to reduce incisions during minimally invasive procedures. Miami will also serve as a hub for surgeon training and expansion across the East Coast and Latin America. The move strengthens South Florida’s growing medtech and healthcare innovation ecosystem.
SoftBank Didn’t Just Buy Boca Raton-Based DigitalBridge. It Bought an Engine for Financing the AI Buildout.
SoftBank’s $4 billion acquisition of Boca Raton-based DigitalBridge is about more than data centers. The deal gives SoftBank an investment-management platform capable of mobilizing institutional capital to help finance the next generation of AI infrastructure.
2150 Co-Founder Christian Hernandez Gallardo Leaves VC Role to Help Scale Boca Raton-Based Blue Frontier
2150 co-founder Christian Hernandez Gallardo is leaving venture capital to become Executive Chair of Boca Raton-based Blue Frontier, helping the climate-tech company scale manufacturing, expand internationally and capitalize on growing demand for energy-efficient cooling as AI and data centers place new pressure on the electrical grid.
West Pam Beach-Based Powerus Secures Air Force IDIQ Contract Worth Up to $90M
West Palm Beach-based Powerus has secured a U.S. Air Force contract with a ceiling of up to $90 million, expanding its role in autonomous defense technology. The company develops drones, counter-drone systems, sensors, software and other autonomous technologies for defense applications. Powerus is also pursuing a potential public-market transaction as it scales its portfolio. New strategic advisors with senior military and national security experience are further strengthening the company’s leadership. The developments add momentum to South Florida’s growing defense and autonomous technology ecosystem.
From IBM to Quantum: Related Ross Acquires Boca Raton’s Historic Innovation Campus
Related Ross has acquired the 124-acre Boca Raton Innovation Campus, expanding its nearly 30-year investment in Palm Beach County. From its IBM roots to D-Wave’s arrival, BRiC could be entering a new era of technology, talent and innovation.
Tri-Rail’s New Funding Strategy Could Reshape Transportation and Development Across South Florida
Tri-Rail’s proposed new funding strategy could do more than secure the rail system’s financial future. By unlocking development opportunities around stations across its 70-mile South Florida corridor, the plan could create new hubs for housing, business and investment while generating sustainable revenue for regional transit.
Golden Dome Wants Startups, Tech Companies and Investors. Is South Florida ready?
Golden Dome for America could open a new federal market for South Florida’s growing tech ecosystem, creating opportunities for startups, defense-tech companies, investors, universities and researchers developing technologies with potential national security applications.
AutoNation Turns to Starlink to Strengthen Connectivity Across Its Nationwide Dealership Network
Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation has deployed Starlink connectivity across more than 70 dealerships nationwide. The satellite technology provides an additional layer of network resiliency for locations where traditional backup broadband is limited or unavailable. The deployment builds on AutoNation’s broader network modernization strategy using SD-WAN and cloud connectivity. The company is also evaluating additional Starlink applications for disaster recovery and future locations.
Miami-Based Healthtech Startup Eyecheq Strategically Partners with iCare for Advanced Eye Screening
Miami-based healthtech startup Eyecheq has partnered with iCare to expand access to automated eye screening and advanced diagnostic technology. The partnership combines Eyecheq’s self-service screening kiosks with iCare’s retinal imaging solutions to support earlier detection of eye conditions. The collaboration strengthens Eyecheq’s reach across healthcare and retail settings. It also highlights South Florida’s growing role as a healthtech and innovation hub.
Boca Raton’s ModMed Takes Aim at Healthcare’s ‘RCM Tax’ With New Agentic AI Platform
Boca Raton-based ModMed is taking aim at one of healthcare’s biggest administrative burdens with a new agentic AI platform designed to reduce denials, automate revenue cycle workflows and help specialty medical practices get paid faster.
Kaufman Rossin Expands Private Equity Focus With Launch of KR PE
Kaufman Rossin has launched KR PE, a dedicated private equity practice combining transaction advisory, tax, accounting, fund services and operational support. The Miami-based firm is positioning the new practice to serve lower-middle-market and middle-market investors and portfolio companies.
South Florida's Cybersecurity Leaders Shine as TIME Launches Inaugural CISO of the Year Awards
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer has evolved far beyond protecting networks. With the launch of the inaugural TIME + Commvault CISO of the Year Award, cybersecurity leadership is being recognized alongside the world's most influential business executives. Among the 20 global finalists are two South Florida leaders—Patrick Doliny and Eduardo Ortiz-Romeu, whose careers exemplify the innovation, resilience, and leadership shaping the future of cybersecurity. Their recognition highlights South Florida's growing reputation as a hub for world-class cybersecurity talent and executive leadership.
How FAU's Hacking for Defense Program Signals South Florida's Growing Role in National Innovation
Florida Atlantic University's successful launch of its first Hacking for Defense program is more than an academic milestone. By connecting students with real-world Department of Defense challenges, FAU is helping position South Florida as a growing hub for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and defense innovation.
AT&T's Quantum Leap Is Reshaping Telecommunications and Why South Florida Is at the Center of It
Artificial intelligence has transformed how businesses operate, but the next leap in enterprise technology may come from combining AI with quantum computing. AT&T's expanded partnership with D-Wave showcases how agentic AI and quantum optimization are improving network operations today—while positioning Boca Raton and South Florida as emerging leaders in the commercialization of quantum technology. As D-Wave establishes its headquarters in Boca Raton and Florida Atlantic University invests in one of the nation's most advanced university quantum programs, the region is becoming a hub where groundbreaking research, Fortune 500 innovation, and next-generation workforce development are converging.
Carrier's Acquisition of 75F Signals the Next Era of Autonomous Buildings
Carrier's acquisition of AI-powered building automation company 75F marks a pivotal shift in the evolution of intelligent buildings. By combining cloud-native software, wireless controls, predictive analytics, and agentic AI, Carrier is positioning itself to lead the next generation of autonomous building technology. With the company's global headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the acquisition also underscores the state's growing influence in commercial real estate innovation, climate technology, and AI-driven infrastructure.
Kind Designs Isn't Raising Capital to Prove Its Technology. Mark Cuban Invests Again as It Scales To Meet Demand.
Kind Designs has reached a pivotal milestone. After attracting nearly $20 million in investor interest, the Miami-based climate tech company doubled its fundraising target, closing a $10 million Pre-Series A round. With Mark Cuban investing again, a TIME Best Invention award, growing government adoption, and a $175 million pipeline, Kind Designs is shifting from proving its technology to scaling the future of coastal infrastructure.
Connected Living: How CITY HOME Is Redefining the Home Experience
Smart homes aren't just about connected devices—they're about creating better living experiences. As consumer expectations evolve, CITY HOME is redefining home retail by combining technology, products, installation, and service into one seamless experience. CEO Andrew Koenig shares how the company's new Smart Home category reflects a customer-first philosophy focused on helping people live healthier, safer, more connected, and more efficient lives.