Orlando’s Tech Surge: From Optics to Aerospace
As Central Florida’s innovation hub, Innovate Orlando brings together startups, researchers, and industry leaders to fuel technological progress. This week, we’re showcasing Orlando’s breakthroughs in venture capital, deep tech, simulation, and talent, highlighting a region that’s shaping the future of tech while celebrating Pride Month, Juneteenth, and the Pulse anniversary.
Capital and Credibility
Few places match Orlando’s knack for turning university research into real-world solutions and thriving businesses. Central Florida has drawn about $1.2 billion in venture and growth capital from 2020 to 2024, cementing its status as a powerhouse for research-driven innovation.
Hawkers Asian Street Food landed investment from Savory Fund to grow nationwide, proving Orlando can build consumer brands with global appeal. LightPath Technologies unveiled the world’s first industrial-grade cooled optical gas imaging camera, a game-changer for energy, defense, and climate sensing. Hoverfly Technologies, based in Sanford, is set to ride new federal policies boosting U.S.-made drones, strengthening Orlando’s place in national security.
The University of Central Florida (UCF), a key ally, announced a $192 million Innovation District with cutting-edge facilities, backed by over $200 million in yearly research funding and a top 30 ranking for patents among public universities. Deals like Somnee’s $10 million raise, backed by Orlando Magic owners, highlight the region’s venture capital energy.
Simulation and Defense Leadership
Orlando is the nation’s hub for modeling, simulation, and training, supporting over 60,000 jobs and $6 billion in annual economic impact. The Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation and SAIC rolled out a full-motion XR pilot training simulator at Tech Grove, open to businesses and academia. Mass Virtual and the National Center for Simulation inspired GEMS students to dive into immersive tech for defense, nurturing the next generation. PEO STRI’s recent visits from international partners underscored Orlando’s global clout in defense research.
Talent and Innovation
Orlando’s tech scene is powered by its people. StarterStudio, backed by Innovate Orlando, kicked off its latest Idea Stage cohort, guiding nine founders building software and defense simulation tools. UCF’s Nasser Kutkut, a smart charging innovator, earned a spot in the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. Full Sail University was named a top design school by Graphic Design USA, while UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy gave Philadelphia students a peek at its world-class game development program.
What’s Next
Upcoming events that spark collaboration across Central Florida’s tech community:
- June 13: JoyBreak at 64 North
- June 16: Orlandopreneur
- June 17-19: IEOM Society: 10th North American Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
- June 17-18: Training & Simulation Industry Symposium (TSIS) 2025
- June 18: 1 Million Cups at the Tech Hub
- June 18: Founders Live Orlando in Lake Nona
- June 18: Black Orlando Tech’s Juneteenth Sunset Soirée at Grape & The Grain
- June 19: FaithTech Orlando Meetup, exploring technology and purpose
- June 17–19: IEOM Conference, co-hosted by UCF and Florida Poly.
- June 25: Orlando Devs Summer Meetup at the Tech Hub
- Date TBD: Cenfluence Cluster Webinar, focusing on cross-sector collaboration
- June 26-27: The Reality Capture Network’s R-CON conference in Orlando will dive into digital twin innovation.
From precision optics to advanced simulation, Orlando is shaping the future of technology. For sources, check out the full news roundup at innovatorlando.com. Join Central Florida’s innovation ecosystem at innovatorlando.com.
—Sheena
CEO, Innovate Orlando
Check out the stories here:
Venture Capital
Orlando Magic Owners Join $10M Raise for Sleep Tech Startup Somnee
The Magic’s ownership group joins Khosla Ventures in backing Somnee’s sleep innovation platform.
📖 Read More: fiercehealthcare.com
Startups
Orlando’s Hawkers Secures Growth Capital—Signaling Major Momentum for Local Founders
Savory Fund invests in the Asian street food icon, fueling expansion and brand evolution.
📖 Read More: prnewswire.com
From AI to Simulation: StarterStudio’s Latest Cohort Begins Building Orlando’s Next Startups
A new group of founders is turning big ideas into Orlando-based ventures.
📖 Read More: LinkedIn
Deep Tech
Orlando-Based LightPath Launches Breakthrough Gas-Imaging Camera
LightPath introduces the first industrial-grade cooled optical gas imaging camera, made in Orlando.
📖 Read More: prnewswire.com
Orlando’s Hoverfly Gains Tailwinds from New Executive Orders Favoring American-Made Drones
Federal momentum supports Hoverfly’s drone technology and manufacturing growth.
📖 Read More: prnewswire.com
Actualization.AI Launches Hallucina-Gen—Helping Builders Catch Faulty AI Outputs
A new tool from Orlando startup Actualization.AI helps prevent inaccurate generative AI results.
📖 Read More: LinkedIn
Simulation & Defense
PEO STRI Global Operations Liaison Representatives Visit Orlando
Key defense leaders from PEO STRI tour Orlando to strengthen training partnerships.
📖 Read More: dvidshub.net
Air Force and SAIC Deploy Next-Gen Pilot Training Simulator at Orlando’s Tech Grove
A major milestone in immersive flight training is now live at the Tech Grove.
📖 Read More: LinkedIn
Mass Virtual and NCS Engage Orlando Students in XR for Defense Readiness
Future technologists explore XR and defense innovation through local partnerships.
📖 Read More: LinkedIn
Industry Experts Discuss Digital Twins at 2025 Florida Simulation Summit
A gathering of digital twin experts explores defense, infrastructure, and healthcare applications.
📖 Read More: teamorlando.org
Talent & Education
UCF Eyes $192M+ Innovation District with Two Cutting-Edge Facilities
Plans move forward to create an innovation corridor in the heart of Central Florida.
📖 Read More: bizjournals.com
Smart Charging Pioneer Nasser Kutkut Inducted into Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
The UCF professor and EV innovator is recognized for transformative contributions.
📖 Read More: floridainvents.org
Full Sail Named Top Design School by ‘Graphic Design USA’
National recognition highlights Full Sail’s strength in creative education.
📖 Read More: fullsail.edu
UCF’s FIEA Welcomes Philly Students for Gaming Industry Immersion
High school students visit Orlando to learn from top-tier game developers.
📖 Read More: ucf.edu
Orlando Hosts 10th North American IEOM Conference with Florida Poly & UCF
The international industrial engineering event returns to Central Florida.
📖 Read More: prnewswire.com
Reality Capture Network Hosts R-CON: Digital Twins in Orlando, FL
A premier event on digital twins and spatial innovation comes to Orlando.
📖 Read More: geoweeknews.com
Join the movement by becoming a member of the Orlando TechCommunity to propel Central Florida’s tech and innovation ecosystem
| Join now! |
Member Highlight
Red 6 is a cutting-edge technology company revolutionizing military training through augmented reality and advanced air combat simulation. By integrating synthetic environments into real-world flight, Red 6 enables pilots to train against virtual threats with unprecedented realism and safety. After relocating its headquarters to Orlando, Red 6 joins a thriving defense and simulation ecosystem, bringing high-tech jobs and innovation to the region. Notably, Innovate Orlando’s new CEO, Sheena Fowler, brings firsthand insight into Red 6’s visionary culture, having held a key leadership role at the company—further connecting Orlando’s innovation ecosystem with frontier defense tech.
Learn more: https://www.red6ar.com
Innovate Orlando News
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Dual-Use, Real World: What It Takes to Scale Across Defense & Commercial Sectors – OTC Live Recap
This month’s session brought together leaders from DIU, Red 6, Talon Simulations, and Design Interactive—moderated by Innovate Orlando’s CEO, Sheena Fowler—to unpack the realities of scaling dual-use technology. We explored:
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Insights on adapting for both defense and private market timelines
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Real-world examples of transitioning tech from lab to deployment
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Strategic advice on SBIRs, OTAs, and winning Programs of Record
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The power of commercial success in winning government contracts
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Why the Orlando ecosystem is uniquely wired for engineering impact
A big thank-you to everyone who joined the discussion!
Missed it? Watch the Discussion Here!
Discount Code – R-CON Digital Twins: Connecting Minds, Building Future
R-CON Digital Twins is a landmark event for professionals driving the future of digital transformation and innovation. This conference is crafted for those passionate about pioneering advancements in Digital Twins, reality capture, and the evolution of the built environment and digital workflows.
Whether you’re shaping the strategic vision for your organization or exploring cutting-edge solutions to enhance operational efficiency, this event offers the insights, tools, and connections you need to lead in a technology-driven world.
Use code InnovateOrlandoDT20E for a 20% discount.
Register now
Check Out the Hype
The Orlando Economic Partnership is launching the first-ever Orlando Regional Talent Supply Analysis — a game-changing initiative to align our workforce with the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow, as outlined in the Orlando 2045 Vision.
To make this vision a reality, your input is needed. 💬
📊 The Q2 2025 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey is now open and only takes 10 minutes to complete. If your business is located in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Lake County, your voice is critical.
The survey is open now until June 30!
Complete the Survey Here
Florida Companies to Watch – Applications Now Open!
Do you know a high-growth, high-impact business that deserves the spotlight? Or are you leading one yourself GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is now accepting applications—and we want to see even more Orlando-area innovators in the spotlight this year!
Presented by GrowFL, this prestigious award honors second-stage companiesthat are fueling Florida’s economy through job creation, innovation, and scalable growth. These are the companies that are past startup phase but not yet enterprise-sized—businesses with the agility to innovate and the drive to scale.
Why Apply?
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Statewide recognition for your company’s achievements
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Exposure to investors, media, and key business leaders
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Access to an elite network of past honorees
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Validation for your team, clients, and partners
📈 Past honorees have included some of Florida’s most dynamic companies across tech, manufacturing, health sciences, logistics, and more—including standout firms from right here in Orlando’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Applications are open now and must be submitted by June 30, 2025.
More Information / Apply
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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