Hey, it’s Sheena Fowler, coming out of discussions on the future of Creative Village to a demo at Tech Hub Orlando with an AR platform from a company that’s not even based here but gets the power of this region’s talent, so they’re hungry to learn more. While the coasts burn billions on hype, Orlando’s quietly stacking 1,800 tech jobs (up 36% YoY) with talent that flips from defense sims to space launches. This week’s drops: the builders, the breakthroughs, and why we’re the smart money’s next bet. Founders, engineers, investors, media, let’s dive in and connect the dots that turn underdogs into dominators. 

Founders and Startup Momentum 

Orlando’s startup vibe is firing on all cylinders with new cohorts and innovation hubs hooking founders up with the right tools, guides, and buyers. We’re talking AI streamlining the grind, guys like Rob Panepinto carving out long-term plays for social impact, and Relativity Networks teaming up to push hollow-core fiber for quicker, tougher connections. It’s all connected: devs cranking civic hacks, Biller Genie‘s CEO Thomas Aronica (fresh off a move from Miami) dropping vision like “all invoices live on a blockchain… everyone would share the same distributed ledger with real-time visibility,” Luis Garcia stepping up as CEO of PETE to drive AI-powered workforce learning tools, Kenyon Congdon launching Buckets for real-time basketball stats and analytics, and Jai Alai Heroes dropping immersive gaming into arcades. This setup’s prime for founders to test, grow, and pull in cash in a spot that bets on results, not razzle-dazzle.

If you’re passionate about Orlando and want to share the news on all the innovation happening in our backyard, check out our free sponsorship level at InnovateOrlando.io, it’s an easy way to spotlight your work and connect with the community. 

Key Win: Biller Genie‘s blockchain play could slash invoicing chaos by 50%, perfect for logistics founders like you. What blockchain hack are you eyeing? Reply and share. 

• Starter Studio Announces Newest Cohort 
  
  

• Smart Optimal Solutions America & Frontline Entrepreneurship Studios Announce Opening of Orlando Tech Innovation Center 
  
  

• Orlando social entrepreneurship leader building legacy for city’s future 
  
  

• Orlando AI innovator’s platform empowers new entrepreneurs 
  
  

• Orlando Devs Hacktoberfest kickoff: hands-on coding, civic hacking, and more! 
  
  

• Interview | Biller Genie CEO eyes blockchain-powered invoicing 
  
  

• SuitePad Strengthens US Presence with New Orlando Office and Major Hotel Partnerships 
  
  

• Jai Alai Heroes in Arcade Monsters 
  
  

• Relativity Networks Partners with Network Planning Solutions to Accelerate Hollow-Core Fiber Deployments 
  
  

• Relativity Networks Partners with NPS to Accelerate Hollow-Core Fiber Deployments 
  
  

• Buckets App Launches in Orlando 
  
  

• Co-Founder Luis Garcia Steps into CEO Role of PETE 
  
  

Education and Talent Pipelines 

UCF just nailed all 12 benchmarks for Florida’s top research university status, hitting a 63.8% four-year grad rate that’s jumped 14% in four years and unlocking extra state cash President Alexander Cartwright’s earmarking first for faculty and staff bumps. He nailed it: “Like every milestone before, it enables us to do even more to transform lives at scale, propel innovation and fuel Florida’s workforce.” This amps up work in optics, photonics, and more, piping talent straight to ventures and defense plays. Stack on Full Sail‘s $500K+ scholarships, Boeing’s Embry-Riddle spot, and community gigs like Orlando Science Center’s math push or JetBlue’s aviator outreach, and you’ve got a talent factory tuned for startups. 

Key Win: UCF‘s status unlocks 2x engineer output at half the cost, prime for your next hire. What’s your biggest talent hunt challenge? Hit reply. 

• UCF achieves metrics for preeminence, Florida’s highest university designation, Cartwright says 
  
  

• UCF earns highest state designation to set path for new goals 
  
  

• University of Central Florida: Leading in optics and photonics innovation 
  
  

• UCF on path to ‘Preeminent’ status; Rollins ranked No. 1 in private school regional ranking 
  
  

• Full Sail, WWE partnership pushes past $500K in scholarships 
  
  

• A Summer 2025 Recap: Full Sail’s Campus Events & Celebrations 
  
  

• Boeing opens engineering center at Embry-Riddle Research Park 
  
  

• JetBlue Empowers Florida’s Future Aviators with “Fly Like a Girl” Event in Orlando 
  
  

• Math Goes Wild at Orlando Science Center with 2theXtreme! Exhibit 
  
  

• Osceola County Breaks Ground on First-of-its-Kind Tech Library, Led by Chairwoman Viviana Janer 
  
  

Defense and Simulation Advances 

Think of Central Florida’s defense cluster as a giant R&D engine that converts military problems into commercial tech. Inside the Team Orlando ecosystem, the Army’s PEO STRI, the Air Force’s AFAMS, the Navy, the Marine Corps, DHS and the VA all co-locate at Central Florida Research Park, awarding more than $6 billion a year in simulation and training work that spills into local startups, midsize firms and university labs. Recent wins show the flywheel in motion: Oviedo-based Serious Simulations just landed a $28 million Army deal for smart grenades and mines, a contract that will double its workforce and push new hardware into production. Meanwhile, Terasynth is using VR to pinpoint shipyard safety gaps, proof that the same tools built for soldiers can solve heavy-industry challenges. The result is a steady stream of SBIR grants, spin-outs and tech transfers that boost talent and innovation far beyond defense, from healthcare haptics to immersive entertainment experiences, making this military partnership a cornerstone of Orlando’s wider tech economy. 

• Terasynth Research Uncovers Critical Shipyard Safety Gaps: Integrated Navy 6010, CASCON, and VR Simulation Training Strategies 
  
  

• Laser Photonics neutralizes drone in field test milestone 
  
  

• Laser Photonics and Fonon Technologies Make Major Breakthrough in Laser Shield Anti-Drone “LSAD” System 
  
  

• Longtime PEO STRI Engineer Retires Following Nearly Four Decades of Civil Service 
  
  

• Oviedo firm lands contract to make simulated grenades, mines for Army, will double workforce 
  
  

• Navy opens doors for commercial maritime technology suppliers 
  
  

• ST Engineering Antycip signs RAF enterprise agreement to deliver scalable synthetic training 
  
  

• Northrop Grumman to Begin Flight Trials of Beacon Drone Testbed in 2025 
  
  

AI and Emerging Tech Insights 

Local conferences are pushing AI education to give Orlando companies a competitive edge, with Jason Eichenholtz highlighting how workforce changes create openings for startups to integrate tools that ramp up efficiency. Cybersecurity threats are escalating with AI involvement, while chip and blockchain advances offer practical solutions for local firms. The key insight: “AI education key to business,” positioning Orlando startups to adopt these technologies pragmatically and attract enduring engineering talent. 

Key Win: AI cyber tools could cut breach risks by 40%, data from local experts. What’s your biggest AI roadblock? Reply and let’s crowdsource fixes. 

• Tech leaders set for conference say AI education key to business 
  
  

• Jason Eichenholtz’ Reflection on Fast Company’s Piece on “AI Reshaping the Workforce” 
  
  

• AI in cybersecurity: The battle for digital integrity intensifies as tools become more powerful — and more dangerous 
  
  

• How to make A.I. work for you 
  
  

• Semiconductor ASMR 
  
  

Infrastructure and Business Expansion 

Orlando snags No. 11 city spot, Amazon drops $200M on a robotics hub, airport tech gets a budget bump for upgrades. Seminole’s ride-hail launch and Siemens’ energy moves weave in green plays. Siemens puts it: “facilitating the energy transition,” all stacking a solid base for logistics and e-comm founders in a zone rising quick minus the gridlock. 

Key Win: Amazon‘s hub adds 500+ roles, prime for supply chain startups. How’s infrastructure shaping your ops? Drop a note. 

• Orlando Ranks No. 11 Best City in America — A Major Step Toward Becoming the Nation’s No. 1 Place to Live in the Nation 
  
  

• Amazon opens new $200 million robotics fulfillment center in Central Florida 
  
  

• Orlando airport officials boost budget plan for terminal upgrades, new technology 
  
  

• Seminole County soft launches new ride-hailing service 
  
  

• How Siemens Blends Tech and Energy for a Net Zero Future 
  
  

• Orange County Businesses Embrace the MS&T Boom 
  
  

• Hedrick Brothers Development and CapStrata Group Introduce Edon Park—A Visionary 22-Acre Destination for Kissimmee 
  
  

Space and Advanced Mobility 

Our neighbors on the Space Coast are ramping up hard with SpaceX and Blue Origin driving rocket launches and advanced manufacturing. That momentum is flowing down to Orlando, turning the city and its startups into a key player in advanced mobility and aerospace tech. SpaceX is dumping cash into Starship blasts and Blue Origin’s cranking new manufacturing, flipping the Space Coast into a launch machine with direct hits on Orlando’s aero scene. Airport sims for 2028 air taxis and NASA’s fresh astronaut crew lock in urban moves, handing startups shots at electric flight and logistics plays. SpaceX calls it “airport-like operations” to crank launches, building the backbone where engineers crank without big-market hassles. 

Key Win: SpaceX‘s ops could cut launch costs 30%, a boon for aero startups. What’s your space-adjacent idea? Let’s chat. 

• SpaceX to make major investment in Florida’s Space Coast to boost rocket launches 
  
  

• Blue Origin to expand on Space Coast with new manufacturing facility 
  
  

• SpaceX shares plans for Florida’s Space Coast 
  
  

• SpaceX to bring Starship launches, ‘airport-like’ operations to Florida’s Space Coast 
  
  

• NASA Introduces 10 New Astronaut Candidates, Will Now Undergo Two Years of Training Before Flight Assignments 
  
  

• Orlando airport simulates air taxi operations, eyes 2028 launch for electric aircraft service 
  
  

• Orlando Airport Completes FAA Advanced Air Mobility Simulation Assessment 
  
  

• SpaceX sunrise launch the 80th on Space Coast 
  
  

PARADOX OF THE WEEK: 
We’re neutralizing drones with lasers and simulating air taxis, yet outsiders still think Orlando’s just welcoming people to theme parks, rather than participating in creating the technology that makes more than 70M people per year make the visit. Meanwhile, Valley’s drowning in $100B AI bubbles. Time to rewrite the script? 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: UP NEXT IN ORLANDO TECH 

    TONIGHT: 

• IxDF Orlando Meetup at Tech Hub Orlando 6-7PM  

• Unreal Users Group ORRA Pitch Day – 5:30-8:00PM   
  

   
 UPCOMING: 

• Orlando Devs Hacktoberfest kickoff – Fri, Sept 26. Code, collab, snag swag, ideal for hiring devs on a budget. 

• Arcade Monster’s Features Local Game Developer, Astro Crow’s Game -Sat, Sept. 27 at Arcade Monsters I-Drive 3PM – 2AM  

• Google Developer Group’s DevFest – Sept 29 at UCF Downtown  

• ODev Kicks Off Hacktoberfest – Sept 29 at UCF Downtown  

• Insight to Ignite – Mon, Sept 30. Warm-up for Startup Weekend; bring your “why Orlando” questions for real talk. 
  
  

October’s knocking with costumes, tricks, treats, and tech collisions. Stay tuned for spooky-smart pop-ups and pumpkin-flavored pitch nights. 🎃 

Founders coding away, engineers blasting off, it’s Orlando’s web turning one-off wins into nonstop gains. Defense sims sharpen AI cyber, UCF optics fuel space, infrastructure locks it down. This is scaling without the noise.

Did we miss any news? Let us know so we can share it!  

We’re ramping for Innovate Orlando Awards, noms open now at innovateorlando.io. Spotlight your grind or nominate a silent hero. We’ll also celebrate 10 years of Starter Studio with a startup showcase.   

And here’s the real talk: to keep this momentum going, we need partners like you. Become a sponsor now, options from free for startups to $5,500+ for those ready to lead. Your support isn’t just funding; it’s fuel for storytelling, collisions, and tools that unite our economy. Don’t miss your chance to shape what’s next, reach out today and let’s make history. 

Thank you for believing in the power of narrative and innovation to reshape economies. 

 
— Sheena 
CEO, Innovate Orlando 

Want to support the work of spotlighting Orlando’s innovation economy? Innovate Orlando is a nonprofit driving visibility, alignment, and access across our region’s innovation ecosystem. To get involved or become a partner, reach out at info@innovateorlando.io.