Contracts closed. Capital raised. And a patent that might just change how Hollywood edits its next blockbuster. 

Other cities are chasing headlines. Orlando? We’re getting it done. 

This week, Orlando’s presence stretched from Cannes to the Space Coast, with over $355 million in capital raised, strategic patents issued, and major defense and space contracts secured. 

Enterprise Tech & Innovation 

Let’s start at the global stage. At Cannes, renowned futurist Cathy Hackl elevated the conversation on human-centered innovation and leadership—featuring Orlando-based startup Mia AI as a key case study.

Back home, UCF’s latest patent may quietly transform real-time video editing, enabling frame-by-frame adjustments without retraining large models. That’s the kind of breakthrough that affects not just simulation and defense—but film, gaming, and content creation worldwide. 

UCF ranks among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. for patents issued, reinforcing its role as a national engine of applied innovation. 

And at KPMG, the launch of Workbench—a new multi-agent platform—isn’t just another enterprise announcement. It signals how Orlando’s tech ecosystem is influencing the future of enterprise operations. While not built at the Lakehouse, this innovation connects directly to the $450M campus in Lake Nona, where KPMG continues to invest in talent, training, and transformation. That means more opportunity for local engineers, developers, and strategists to build what’s next. 

Aerospace, Defense & Space 

Meanwhile, the Space Coast is delivering results. Melbourne-based NanTenna landed a spot on the Army’s CHS-6 contract—fast-tracking access to their ruggedized UHF antennas for defense partners. Titusville’s Blackstar Orbital secured a $1.9 million SpaceWERX award to support next-gen space maneuvering. And Vaya Space locked in a $4 million partnership with Velo3D to advance propulsion systems through additive manufacturing. These aren’t speculative plays—they’re real contracts with global implications. 

Governor Ron DeSantis also signed aerospace and transportation legislation this week to support Florida’s continued leadership in next-gen mobility—reinforcing the Space Coast’s momentum. 

Capital, Growth & Economic Development 

On the funding front, Orlando companies raised over $355 million this week alone. PureCycle brought in $300 million to expand its circular plastics operations, targeting $600 million in annual EBITDA by 2030. Zero Networks added $55 million to scale its cybersecurity platform. These deals underscore that Orlando isn’t just a place to build—it’s a place to scale. 

Phase Shift Ventures also announced a new fund focused on early-stage deep tech—supporting companies commercializing research in space and advanced materials along the Orlando–Space Coast corridor. 

Orange County leaders were also on the West Coast this week at Plug and Play’s Silicon Valley Summit—building strategic partnerships that expand our region’s reach and influence. 

Plug and Play is one of the most influential innovation platforms in the world—backing over 30 unicorns and helping regions scale access to global capital, corporate partnerships, and talent. 

And don’t miss this: GrowFL has opened applications for Florida Companies to Watch, an award that honors second-stage companies that are fueling Florida’s economy. Another signal that Orlando is investing in the people building what’s next. 

Talent & Workforce 

None of this happens without talent. SKILLCircuits is expanding to high schools.

UCF is advancing research pipelines in robotics and simulation.

And this week, TSIS—the defense training and simulation industry’s flagship symposium—returned to Orlando, reinforcing our region’s position as the global capital of MS&T. 

The MS&T industry contributes over $6 billion annually to Central Florida’s economy, with Orlando recognized as the global epicenter for defense simulation and training. 

We’re not slowing down. Next week, Innovate Orlando is co-sponsoring a hands-on developer meetup with ODevs, featuring locally built tools, demos, and teams ready to collaborate and hire. And coming up soon: the R-Con Digital Twin Conference, bringing together industry leaders focused on the future of simulation, infrastructure, and smart environments. 

There are more stories and events linked below. But here’s the takeaway: Orlando isn’t just participating in the innovation economy. We’re building the infrastructure, technology, and talent to lead it. 

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

— Sheena