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Celebrating A Decade Shaping The Future Of Tech

Why eMerge Americas Is Putting Healthtech Innovation Front And Center At 2024 Conference

When you enter the Miami Beach Convention Center for the eMerge Americas conference next April, you are going to see “a very expansive pavilion” made up of large, interactive experiences along with a showcase of startups all within healthtech. A special stage in the pavilion area will feature talks by healthtech experts throughout the two days, explains eMerge Americas CEO Melissa Medina. Together with partners Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System, eMerge announced the Healthtech Innovation Hub will bring together healthcare providers, companies and investors to explore the intersection of technology and medicine through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and discussions. 

 

-Source: Refresh Miami

How A Soggy Paper Straw Inspired The Founders Of Sofi Products

A soggy paper straw was the beginning of a new business for a pair of Miami entrepreneurs. It's an experience many can relate to. More than four years ago, Jordan Leeds was trying to enjoy a milkshake, but the paper straw he was sipping through quickly disintegrated into the beverage. "It ruined his drink," said Brandon Leeds, Jordan's brother and co-founder. "We decided to make a better alternative that doesn't fall apart or taste like paper." That sparked the creation of Sofi Products, named after Miami Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood. The Leeds brothers spent more than six months developing a prototype for a paper straw that was durable and environmentally friendly, the company's first product. The effort paid off: Sofi Products now sells to more than 4,000 business across the U.S. and Canada, including fast casual chain Pret a Manger and the convenience store Circle K. Headquartered in Miami Beach, the bootstrapped startup makes compostable paper straws and cups for the food and beverage industry.

 

-Source: Miami Inno

OpenAI, Axel Springer Announce Deal To Bring News Content To ChatGPT

ChatGPT will soon summarize news articles from Politico, Business Insider and other Axel Springer-owned publications—and could include content otherwise available only to paid subscribers —in an unprecedented new agreement that could shape the future of journalism’s relationship with artificial intelligence. OpenAI and Germany-based publisher Axel Springer announced the deal last week, and it will include all of Axel Springer’s media brands, which include Politico, Business Insider and European outlets Bild and Welt. Under the agreement, OpenAI will pay Axel Springer for access to its news content, including some that is usually blocked by a paywall, which ChatGPT will be able to summarize in response to user queries with attribution and links to the full stories. OpenAI will also be able to use Axel Springer news content to train ChatGPT, adding a knowledge base of vetted journalistic sources amid ongoing concern about AI’s ability to provide accurate, real-time information.

 

-Source: Forbes

Microsoft Targets Nuclear to Power AI Operations

Microsoft is betting nuclear power can help sate its massive electricity needs as it ventures further into artificial intelligence and supercomputing. The technology industry’s thirst for power is enormous. A single new data center can use as much electricity as hundreds of thousands of homes. Artificial intelligence requires even more computing power. Nuclear power is carbon-free and, unlike renewables, provides round-the-clock electricity. But it faces significant hurdles to getting built, including the daunting and expensive U.S. nuclear regulatory process for project developers. In a twist, Microsoft is experimenting with generative artificial intelligence to see if AI could help streamline the approval process, according to Microsoft executives. The generative AI experiments tap in to Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, creator of the viral chatbot ChatGPT. 

 

-Source: Wall Street Journal

Austin Firm Uses AI To Write Santa Letters

Santa has a handy new helper to get his writing chores out of the way — AI. Austin advertising and design firm Hunt, Gather is launching an AI platform so people can order up a letter from Santa for their kid or loved one. Playing up the holiday fun, the project is designed to soften fears about AI as more and more firms are leaning into the technology. The questions include: "Name a favorite thing from the holiday season," "Who are we writing a letter for today?" and "What was a highlight from the year?" An AI-powered machine instantly builds on the answers to generate a personalized letter in a font that appears handwritten. The letter, spritzed with peppermint essential oil if you'd like, then gets printed and mailed out — signed, of course, by Santa and delivered in time for Christmas.

 

-Source: Axios Austin 

Startup Accelerator + Showcase Applications Are Open

Deadline January 31st | eMerge Americas

 

This is your opportunity to win $520,000 USD in investment into your company! The 2024 eMerge Americas Accelerator + Showcase is joining forces with Florida Funders, Medina Ventures, and BIP Ventures. We will select 110 of the best startups globally through a competitive application process segmented into three stages (i.e. University Stage, Early Stage and Later Stage). These 110 startups will participate in a robust seven-week, virtual, acceleration program, which will culminate at an in-person, grand finale pitch competition.

The #MiamiTech Happy Hour

December 20th | Natalia Martinez-Kalinina + Chris Adamo

 

This is a casual recurring happy hour for new and old Miamians interested in connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, tech folks, and a diverse group of awesome people. Come grab a drink and catch up!

The Confetti Awards

Deadline December 19th | Confetti

 

Confetti is picking 3 winners of the Confetti Culture Champion Award 2023 for people who have gone above and beyond to bring people together and make a difference in their company culture this past year. You can submit more than one nomination and even nominate yourself! The deadline is next Tuesday, December 19th at 5:00 PM ET and we’ll be announcing the winners in January.

Airport Experience Public Challenge

Deadline January 19th | Miami-Dade Innovation Authority

 

As part of our second Public Innovation Challenge, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and Miami International Airport (MIA), we are seeking proposals from local and global tech companies that offer new and creative solutions to improve the airport experience for both passengers and staff. Apply today for an opportunity to receive up to $100k in funding.

hello&demo - Black History & Culture Trivia

January 23rd | Confetti

 

Every month we host a free demo of one of our seasonal experiences so you can get a taste of what an event with Confetti is like! Sessions include an introduction, a demo of an experience and a live Q&A with our Account Managers to ask any event or booking questions on the spot. Our next hello&demo will be on Tuesday, January 23rd at 12:00 PM ET and will be demoing Black History & Culture Trivia ahead of Black History Month in February!

60 Million Congress

February 1st-3rd | Global Polonia Summit

 

Join the Global Polonia Summit for business meetings, startup presentations, networking and more at the next edition of the 60 Million Congress, which will be held in Miami on February 1-3, 2024 at the James L. Knight Center. Speakers include Polaron Director Eva Hussain, CEO and Co-Founder of Booksy Stefan Batory and eMerge Americas CEO and President Melissa Medina.

Legal Tech Challenge: Miami

February 2nd | Technology Entrepreneurship Club + HNBA

 

The Legal Tech Challenge, hosted at Greenberg Traurig Miami by FSU Law’s Technology Entrepreneurship Club, is open to Florida law and graduate students. Teams will form to identify a legal issue and develop a tech-based solution, then present their concepts. This event, promoting innovation and collaboration, culminates in a cash prize for the winning team. For more information, registration details, and to attend as a spectator, visit the official website.

100 Startup Project Scholarship

Apply Now| lan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation

 

Calling all entrepreneurs in need! Thanks to the generous support of Memorial Healthcare System, we are thrilled to offer 10 entrepreneurs the opportunity of a lifetime—a one-year membership to the Levan Center of Innovation. Don't miss this chance to access a variety of resources, mentorship, and a thriving community that will help turn your dreams into reality. Apply now and join us on this incredible journey towards success.

TEALS Volunteer Program

Recruiting Now | Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS Program  

 

TEALS is a Microsoft Philanthropies program looking for volunteer computer science professionals that wish to use their skills to inspire the coders and creators of tomorrow. Volunteering with TEALS helps to make a difference in our community and schools that stand to gain the most from computer science knowledge and expertise. Volunteers help TEALS provide high school students with equitable access to CS education and create a pathway to economic opportunity. 

Learning Engineering + Data (LEaD) Program

Rolling Applications | Millennium Management

 

Millennium is a large global alternative investment manager with a strong commitment to leveraging innovations in technology and data. As a member of our Miami based Learning Engineering and Data (LEaD) program, LEaD engineers can expect to get comprehensive training and work alongside technology mentors and leaders to develop and maintain applications and tools spanning front-office, middle-office and back-office functions in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

eMerge Americas  2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd  Miami  FL 

 

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