Celebrating a Decade of Impact: The Journey of eMerge Americas
It’s remarkable to witness Florida’s tech ecosystem evolving into a global powerhouse for innovation. The rapid acceleration of this transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the eMerge Americas team is proud to have played a pivotal role in driving this momentum.
What started as a vision to connect innovators with capital has blossomed into a thriving global hub for technology and investment. From groundbreaking startups to transformative collaborations, the strides we’ve made together demonstrate the strength and potential of our community.
The Impact of a Decade: The Washington Economics Group Study
The Washington Economics Group recently conducted an independent study of eMerge Americas’ decade-long impact. The results highlight the growth and influence of our event and the power of a collaborative tech ecosystem.
Key findings include:
- A global Startup Accelerator + Showcase whose participants have collectively raised nearly $2.5 billion with 72% of alumni companies representing minority and underrepresented founders
- 10,000 jobs created in Florida, 81% of which are high-earning, high-wage positions
- Over $2.6 billion in economic impact generated across the state
2024 Investment Insights: Florida’s Growing Strength as a Global Tech Hub
Florida has solidified its place as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S., and we’re thrilled to be at the heart of it.
- $1.7 trillion economy—ranking as the 14th globally if it were a country.
- #1 in new business formations and high-tech establishments
- #1 state for attracting and developing talent
- #1 top-ranked public education system for eight consecutive years
Furthermore, investment trends continue to hold strong. As published in the eMerge 1H 2024 Venture Capital Report, Florida ranked 5th nationally in deal count and 7th in deal value, with companies raising $2.1 billion across 332 deals in the first half of 2024.With 23 million residents and a rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, Florida is positioned to lead in talent and capital migration, driving innovation from Orlando to Tampa, South Florida and the Space Coast.
READ THE FULL REPORTInternational Appeal: Why Global Companies are Choosing Florida
Florida has also become a welcoming destination of choice for international tech companies seeking to enter the U.S. market. eMerge Americas 2025 is thrilled to announce new delegations from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Israel, Brazil, Canada, France, the UK, and more to our bright shores. Global companies are flocking to Florida, drawn by its capital influx, access to the $5 trillion LatAm market, pro-business policies, and diverse talent pool.
Broadening Programs in AI + Quantum, Healthtech and Defense Tech
Healthtech Innovation Hub: Revolutionizing Patient Care
Launched in April 2024 with Jackson Health System and UHealth, the Centro de innovación en tecnología sanitaria united healthcare executives and investors, driving record attendance in its debut year. For 2025, new partners like the Milken Institute and BioFlorida will spotlight AgeTech, generative AI in health, precision medicine, digital twins, and more, fueling deeper innovation.
eGOV Summit + Defense Pavilion: Powering Dual-Use + Defense Tech
Featuring a new Defense Pavilion, two-days of programming, and veteran workshops, the eGov Summit will host strategic partners, including DoD, DIU, Office of Strategic Capital, Army Futures Command, CDAO, and government funding agencies, to drive collaboration across defense and dual-use tech for global security innovation.
AI + Quantum Village: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Tech
With strong ties to local capital and the growing infrastructure to attract quantum startups and build academic programs, Florida is poised as a leader in this transformative field. The 2025 AI + Quantum Village, powered by Entanglement expands with an investor summit, AI Arena, exhibits, and a new networking lounge, connecting capital and innovators in these transformative fields.
Powering the Future of Innovation: eMerge Global Startup Accelerator + Showcase
El eMerge Americas Startup Accelerator + Showcase provides a powerful platform for startups from around the world to grow. Our 2025 cohort will feature 100 startups from key sectors, including aerospace and defense, AI, blockchain, healthtech, fintech, climate tech, and more. Stay tuned as we announce the cohort in February and their debut in Startup Alley at eMerge Americas 2025.
Empowering Florida’s SMBs: Small + Medium-Sized Businesses Growth Lab
Launched this past September, the SMB Growth Lab (in partnership with JPMorgan Chase), provides small and mid-sized businesses with digital transformation resources, training, and networking to continue to stay competitive in our ever-changing world. By bridging this gap between SMBs and the tech sector this vital segment of our economy will continue to flourish. Participating SMBs will have exclusive access to in-person workshops, a full-day educational summit and complimentary exhibit space at eMerge Americas 2025.
Welcoming New Talent: A Growing Team With A Growing Mission
We are thrilled to welcome new talent to the eMerge Americas team. This growth reflects our commitment to deliver the best experience for our community and partners while advancing our mission to serve the industry. Each new team member brings invaluable expertise and passion, and their contributions will be key as we work towards an even more impactful year in 2025.
Looking at eMerge Americas 2025: A New Year, New Features + New Connections
You spoke and we listened. One of the most exciting new additions for eMerge Americas 2025 is the 1:1 Meeting Zone, designed to amplify networking and deal-making opportunities through curated meetups, engaging activities, and personalized connections. Mark your calendars for March 27–28, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where we’ll bring all these initiatives to life!
As eMerge Américas continues to evolve, we’re more committed than ever to fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and highlighting the transformative power of Florida’s thriving tech ecosystem.
