Space Florida, Florida Venture Forum to Host Annual Aerospace Innovation & Tech Forum on June 10

Exploration Park, Miami and Tampa, Fla. (April 7, 2021) – The Florida Venture Forum and Space Florida will host the annual Aerospace Innovation & Tech Forum on June 10, 2021. This virtual half day event will feature aerospace and innovative tech companies from related industries.

Companies are invited to apply to present and compete for the Space Florida’s “Accelerating Innovation” (AI) awards, totaling $100,000. Selected presenting companies must have a focus in aerospace and related innovative technologies (see commercial markets listed below) to be eligible to compete for up to $100,000 in total allocated awards. The Grand Prize* winning company will receive $40,000. The first-place runner-up company will receive $30,000 and two second-place companies will receive $15,000 each. NOTE: Prize determination by the judging team is final.

This event is an opportunity to broaden the spectrum of early stage, Florida-based companies in the fields of aerospace and related technologies, as well as non-Florida entities with commitments to relocate to Florida and/or other demonstrable engagement in the Florida aerospace and innovation supply chain. The Aerospace Innovation & Tech Forum will provide an opportunity for the industry to engage with the Florida Venture Forum investment community, including private equity, venture capital and angel investors. Presenter applications will be reviewed and presenters chosen by a selection committee made up of active angel and early stage equity investors.

‍SPACE FLORIDA FOCUS COMMERCIAL MARKETS

‍All participating companies must be engaged in the following market sectors that align with the strategic sectors of Space Florida, set forth in its Vision 2021:3D Printing Technologies & Innovation, Advanced Materials & New & Innovative Products & Agriculture, Climate/Environmental Monitoring, Aircraft & Spacecraft Design, Parts & Assembly, Engineering Design & Construction, Structural Materials & Electronic Assembly, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sensor development & research, Civil Protection & Emergency Management, Communication Systems (All / both land-based & in space), Cyber Security, Adventure Tourism, Clean/Alternative Energy Applications, Data Analytics, Medical & Surgical Innovations, Satellite Communications, Information Technology, Health Technology, Knowledge Based Services, Innovations in Planetary Sustainability Towards The Development Of Nutritious Food, Clean Water And Energy, International Space Station (ISS) & Human Life Science (Including all human Medical Research), Payload Development for Space Exploration, Radiation Protection both on Earth & in Space, Reconnaissance and Missile Development (All), for both Commercial & Military purposes, Robotic Technologies (all types) – Parts, Design & Assembly, both Earth based & elsewhere, Satellite Systems & Science Payloads, Ground & Operations Support Systems, Space Transportation & Advanced Aerospace Platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Surveillance, both for military & commercial usage, and Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR,) research & development.

‍PRESENTER PROCESS

‍All applicants must complete the presenter application on the Forum’s application website. In addition, a one-minute compelling pitch via video must be emailed to: pat@flventure.org. The final application deadline is May 14, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as selection is made on a rolling basis.

Upon notification of selection, presenters must submit an additional, five-minute video pitch (MP4 file or YouTube link) with accompanying slide deck (PPT). Five-minute presentations must be submitted upon notification to: pat@flventure.org. Selected presenters will be scheduled to participate in a live Q & A session with judges via webinar on June 10, 2021. Presentations will be shown on demand throughout the event.* Previous 1st placed Grand Prize Winners are ineligible to reapply.

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‍About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.

‍About The Florida Venture Forum: The Florida Venture Forum is Florida’s largest statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs, helping companies with headquarters, operations or supply chain in Florida connect with sources of capital from across the country. Since 1984 over 1400 companies have presented at Forum events and have gone on to raise upwards of $10B in equity capital and contribute well over $15B in total economic value to Florida. The Forum’s 200+ members represent a “who’s who” of venture capital and private equity dealmakers, including and equity and debt investors at all stages, as well as major law, accounting, and investment banking firms, and large corporates active in the innovation ecosystem. The Forum provides programs and programming statewide throughout the year in addition to hosting major annual conferences like the Florida Venture Capital Conference, the Statewide Collegiate Start-up Competition, the Early Stage Capital Conference, and industry-focused events including aerospace and healthcare.

For more information, visit: http://www.flventure.org/

‍Press Contact:
‍Space Florida: Sara Shell, 321-730-5301 x221, sshell@spaceflorida.gov

‍Florida Venture Forum: Pat Schneider, 813-335-8116, pat@flventure.org