Some weeks deliver a stream of wins. Others deliver a jolt.
This week? Orlando’s tech economy got both—and they tell a story that demands our full attention.

The jolt:
The U.S. Army is eyeing significant cuts to its Orlando-based headquarters—a move that could impact over 1,000 high-wage, high-skill jobs in simulation, training, and systems engineering. For a region that anchors the world’s largest modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) cluster, this is more than a budget adjustment. It’s a moment of truth.

We are in close conversation with regional leaders across defense and simulation. As this develops, we’ll share more with our community when there’s meaningful action to take.

This is a critical moment to unify our voice. To fight for what we’ve built. And to reaffirm that Orlando isn’t just a regional player in defense—it’s a strategic national asset for preparing warfighters, technologists, and innovators across industries.

But just as that warning shot landed, we also saw a cascade of headlines that prove our growing national relevance:

• XR Training, a local simulation firm, secured a new contract with the U.S. Marines—highlighting the caliber of defense-focused startups in our region.

   

• DroneWERX, a national “Reddit for emerging drone tech” backed by USNDA, is preparing to pilot here—an indicator of Orlando’s growing role in dual-use and autonomy-focused innovation.

   

• Orlando Health is advancing AI-driven cancer detection, expanding its Digestive Health Institute with a focus on early intervention.

   

• A former NFL player launched a mobile gaming studio in Orlando—fusing sports and interactive tech in ways that speak directly to our creative economy.

   

• BizzyNate Creative acquired Echo Interaction Group assets, scaling up immersive and enterprise software capabilities.

   

• Startup Weekend Orlando showed once again that the grassroots are alive, energized, and full of possibility.

You could treat these stories as separate headlines or you could see them for  what they are: proof that Orlando’s innovation engine is firing across sectors—even while our defense core is under pressure.

That’s the real takeaway. This isn’t just a moment of growth or risk. It’s a moment of clarity.

And Innovate Orlando is here to help connect those dots—between news and narrative, between talent and traction, between what’s happening here and what the world needs to see.

Let’s keep showing what the Orlando Region can do when we work together.

—Sheena
CEO, Innovate Orlando

Defense & Government

• U.S. Army Eyes Cuts to Orlando HQ
  Major restructuring could impact up to 1,000 jobs in Central Florida.
  Read more

• Orlando’s XR Training Wins Marine Corps Contract
  Local immersive tech firm to support maintenance training for U.S. Marines.
  Read more

• USNDA Launches DroneWERX “Whitelist” Platform
  New crowdsourced drone tech hub to debut at 2025 defense events.
  Read more

• Navy Seeks Sim & Training Tech
  The Navy is scouting for cost-effective innovation in simulation and training systems.
  Read more

• Fortress Wins $919M Cybersecurity Contract
  Orlando’s AI-driven firm secures major deal with the U.S. government.
  Read more

Tech & Innovation

• Orlando Ranked as Top Startup Ecosystem
  The city continues to rise as a hub for founders and innovators.
  Read more

• BizzyNate Creative Acquires Echo Interaction Assets
  Orlando-based creative firm broadens its digital service offerings.
  Read more

• Orlando’s Top 15 in Aerospace & Tech
  Meet the rising professionals redefining innovation in Central Florida.
  Read more

• C2 Technologies Adds High-Profile Adviser
  A major tech player strengthens leadership with strategic appointment.
  Read more

• Full Sail University Integrates Real-World Film Projects
  Students gain hands-on production experience on campus.
  Read more

• Startup Weekend Orlando Builds Momentum
  Strong community energy powers local entrepreneurship.
  Read more

• ‘Variety’ Spotlights Full Sail’s National Impact
  Education Impact Report features Full Sail as a creative industry leader.
  Read more

• Winter Garden IT Firm Navigates New Ownership & Policy Shifts
  LEK Technology adapts to federal small business policy changes.
  Read more

Health & Wellness

• Orlando Health Expands AI for Cancer Detection
  New innovation enhances early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
  Read more

• Brain Stimulation Tech Targets Depression in Winter Park
  Chiropractor introduces groundbreaking neuro-therapy.
  Read more

Media & Gaming

• Former NFL Player Launches Mobile Game Studio
  Sports-meets-tech venture kicks off in Orlando.
  Read more