This week, we had the privilege of hosting the Orlando Tech Grant Luncheon alongside Mayor Buddy Dyer, with EA as our lead sponsor. The room brought together founders, funders, educators, researchers, city leaders, and corporate partners — and it did more than spotlight promising startups.
It created momentum for what happens next.
Because of conversations sparked at that event, two organizations are now planning to align their audiences and programming to amplify their collective impact. That’s what makes Orlando’s ecosystem unique — collaboration isn’t just encouraged here; it’s happening in real time.
We’re not just celebrating innovation. We’re building the connective tissue that makes it stronger — and you can see it taking shape in places like Creative Village, where education, entrepreneurship, and industry are coming together to shape the future of downtown.
And across the region this week, that collaborative energy was everywhere:
- Luminar reported strong earnings, reminding us that Orlando has a growing footprint in global autonomous systems
- Fonon Technologies, Laser Photonics, and M-tron Industries advanced efforts in defense and industrial tech, powered by Orlando’s deep bench in photonics and precision engineering
- UCF researchers unveiled a breakthrough in quantum physics, strengthening the region’s global standing in optics and photonics
- AI is transforming healthcare delivery, with UCF students’ systems already assisting surgeries at Orlando Health, and the Orlando VA leading innovation in robotic procedures
- Steamroller Studios announced global expansion, underscoring that Orlando’s creative tech and IP ecosystem is competitive at a world-class level
- And a new workforce report named “AI Engineer” the fastest-growing title among Central Florida grads — clear evidence of a region aligned with the future of work
These stories are deeply connected — research, industry, creativity, and community, all reinforcing one another. That’s the real story of Orlando right now: a place where innovation doesn’t just happen in pockets, but through purposeful, collective movement.
That’s what we saw at the luncheon. That’s what we’re seeing in the headlines. And that’s what we’ll keep building — together.
CEO, Innovate Orlando
Check out the stories here:
🔹 Luminar Reports Strong Results; Investors Focus on CEO Resignation
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🔹 Fonon Technologies Advances DefenseTech Amid Orlando’s Thriving Photonics Ecosystem
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🔹 M-tron Industries Sees 13.8% Q1 Revenue Growth, Signaling High-Tech Momentum in Orlando
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🔹 Laser Photonics’ Growth Highlights Orlando’s Strength in Advanced Manufacturing
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🔹 UCF Researchers Advance Quantum Physics with Electro-Optic Sampling
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🔹 Orlando VA Pioneers AI Robotics in Surgical Technology
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🔹 Steamroller Studios Expands Internationally from Orlando’s Creative Tech Scene
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🔹 UCF Students’ AI System Assists Robotic Surgeries at Orlando Health
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🔹 AI and Simulation Industries Surge as Central Florida Job Market Diversifies
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Member Highlight
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Innovate OrlandoNews
Celebrating Innovation: Orlando Technology Support Grant Luncheon Honors Local Trailblazers
Yesterday, we were proud to host the Orlando Technology Support Grant Luncheon at City Hall, where we gathered to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of this year’s grant recipients. Surrounded by leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and civic innovation, the event welcomed Mayor Buddy Dyer, representatives from the City of Orlando, the 2025 grant winners, and their families to honor the transformative work shaping our local tech ecosystem.
The luncheon recognized six standout organizations—Indienomicon Foundation, Orlando Innovation League, Orlando Science Center, Tech Sassy Girlz, Unreal Engine Orlando Chapter, and Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship—each of whom has launched high-impact programs and events aimed at growing Orlando’s innovation economy, expanding opportunities, and engaging the next generation of tech talent.
A heartfelt thank you to EA (Electronic Arts) for their generous sponsorship of this celebration. EA’s unwavering commitment to Central Florida’s innovation community continues to play a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives, empowering diverse voices, and fueling Orlando’s rise as a national hub for tech and creativity.
Together, with support from our public and private partners, we look forward to the continued momentum and collaboration driving Orlando’s future in technology.
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OTC Live: Idea to MVP – Recap
In partnership with Orlando Devs: This week, OTC Live partnered with Orlando Devs to host a candid panel discussion focused on helping early-stage founders go from idea to MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — and perhaps more importantly, where to turn for support along the way.
This wasn’t just a product talk — it was a look under the hood of what it means to build in Central Florida, and how the community is evolving to support builders at all levels.
✨ Caitlin Augustin – VP at DataKind
✨ Jacques Fu – Co-founder of Stax, PETE, ODevs
✨ Christopher Pecoraro – Director of Web Development, Rollins College
✨ Austin Musice – VP, Echelon Fitness
From concept to code — what really matters
Panelists agreed that MVPs are about learning, not launching. The focus should be on identifying the smallest possible version of a product that can validate a core assumption. Attendees heard examples of both scrappy prototypes and overbuilt tools — and how to avoid the latter.
Orlando Devs: more than a meetup
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Orlando Devs — a nonprofit that has become the region’s largest and most active tech community. Caitlin Augustin shared how the organization has grown into a powerful hub for developers, product thinkers, and entrepreneurs alike.
Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, mentorship, or just a sense of belonging in tech, Orlando Devs has it all!
Building local, scaling global
Panelists discussed how starting local can offer a major advantage. You can test ideas with a supportive community, tap into local talent, and get early feedback — all without needing Silicon Valley connections. Orlando, they noted, has the momentum and the mindset to be a serious launchpad for tech.
Final Takeaway
If you’re a founder, developer, or even just “tech-curious,” Orlando Devs is a key resource you should know about. This OTC Live reminded us that no one builds alone — and in Orlando, you don’t have to.
Orlando’s tech scene, all in one place.
From meetups to moonshots, if it’s happening in innovation, it’s on our calendar.
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