Orlando Tech News

Christina Drake and Shari Constantini sat in the Orlando Science Center auditorium, like others, waiting to hear who had won Startup World Cup’s Orlando event.

Their company, Kismet Technologies, was one of nine finalists to take the stage last week, vying to represent the region at the national competition next month.

As they discussed the pitch for a recent shift in focus, they learned that they are heading to Silicon Valley to represent Central Florida in front of potential investors and experts. Looks like they will have to get on that new pitch.

“That was the first time we publicly announced what we were doing,” Drake said. “There is always some massaging but that was a good validation that we are definitely on the right path with our pivot.”

The World Cup brought together area startups in fields like healthcare, space and finance to compete for the Silicon Valley trip.

The event marked the first time that Startup World has held an Orlando event, something that David Adelson of Orlando Tech Community and Innovate Orlando said was important to push the city’s tech scene forward.

“Here we are, in Orlando, one of the fastest-growing epicenters in the country that has so much to offer, we should have a place sitting at the table,” he said after the event.

Adelson praised the startup that pitched at the event, saying a trip to San Diego to represent the community could be a great boost for any company.

While only one company could win the competition, the event offered a chance for the others to share their story at a pre-event mixer.

It was there that some companies made their first venture into the community, seeking support and looking for either clients or users.

Drake said their presence in Orlando has helped build an ecosystem whose strength showed at the event.

Kismet Technologies is a chemical manufacturer that has focused on strengthening disinfecting liquid for industry.

The Startup World Cup kicked off what has become an eventful time for the firm.

On Thursday, the company announced a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant.

The Small Business Technology Transfer grant helps the company continue its research into the effectiveness of various antimicrobial technologies.

“We have a compelling product and we are meeting real needs,” Drake said. “It’s a hard problem, too.”

For now, the focus is on perfecting that pitch before the San Diego event.

“I’m excited to keep trying to figure out the next step,” she said. “These are going to be worldwide, the best companies in startups. So making sure that we really have it down is important. You don’t have a lot of time to pitch, so you need to be able to convey your story easily.”

It has been months since the Startup World Cup’s Orlando stop was first announced.

Now, it’s just days away.

Ten Orlando-area startups continue to prepare for a chance to travel to Silicon Valley in pursuit of a $1 million grand prize and, perhaps more importantly, showing off what they do for potential investors.

Here are three more businesses to check out.

YOU CAN FIND ANOTHER THREE AT THIS LINK

PETE Learning

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

Startup World Cup represents another opportunity to give PETE visibility to our local technology ecosystem and the possibility of national projection. We are a pioneer in AI-driven learning platforms.

How does PETE Learning stand out?

We are the only company in the cohort focused on learning technologies and helping growing small to medium-sized companies overcome their training challenges. We enable organizations to deliver personalized workforce learning at scale.

What is PETE Learning’s “why?”

Workforce training becomes vital for organizations once they surpass 50 employees. However, for those organizations, creating or licensing online courses is expensive. Often, the solution is to rely on functional leaders who lack the experience to create training. The result is a mediocre training experience for the workforce. Our technology solves this problem effectively and inexpensively.

EVQLV

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

Participating in pitch competitions allows EVQLV to connect with the broader entrepreneurial community while continuously refining how we communicate the company’s vision. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with peers, investors and experts, all while sharpening the clarity and impact of my message.

How does EVQLV stand out?

What truly differentiates EVQLV is our ability to integrate customer-specific data into our platform without compromising their competitive edge. This level of customization, combined with our computational prowess, ensures we deliver tailored solutions that reduce failure rates and maximize success in antibody discovery.

What is EVQLV’s “why?”

My personal connection to healthcare has shaped the “why” behind EVQLV. My mother has been ill for most of my life, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the gaps in the healthcare system. I launched EVQLV with a mission to change that—by using AI to discover and develop life-saving therapies faster, I want to contribute to a world where fewer people suffer through healthcare failures.

SPOT Fitness

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

We entered Startup World Cup to gain exposure to investors and experts who can help us scale our platform and grow our community. The competition provides a unique opportunity to pitch Spot on a global stage, connect with mentors and learn from other innovative startups. The exposure from this event is invaluable as we are entering the post-revenue stage and looking to grow.

How does Spot Fitness stand out?

Spot combines AI technology with the concept of social engagement, creating a platform that doesn’t just help people find activities but also connects them with others who share their passions. Our consumer customer retention and acquisition metrics are exceptional, and we have a waiting list of 170 Central Florida businesses. Our marketing model can be tied explicitly to revenue. Combined with our team of veteran domain experts and relationships with global brands like Urban Air, Victory Martial Arts, Orangetheory and more, we are designed and well-positioned for long-term massive scale. 

What is Spot Fitness’ “why?”

We launched Spot because we saw a growing disconnect between people wanting to live an active life and the lack of a simple, effective way to make that happen. We also had the skillset and background to build habit-forming apps, and we were looking for an opportunity where we could apply that skill to a habit that provides value to the individual as well as businesses and society at large, and in a market that was quickly accelerating to mass adoption. Our mission is to use technology to bring people together, helping them form meaningful connections while staying healthy and active.

NOTE: DURING THE NEXT THREE DAYS, WE WILL BE SHOWCASING THE 10 COMPANIES THAT WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE STARTUP WORLD CUP ON WEDNESDAY AT THE ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER. FOR A FULL LIST OF THE COMPANIES, CLICK HERE.

Ten relatively local tech companies hope to get some face time in Silicon Valley with some of the world’s most successful investors.

However, first things first: they must compete in Orlando for the chance to do so.

If they win, they will head to California for a $1 million pitch off competition in front of some of tech’s more notable luminaries at the Startup World Cup.

The national event will have an Orlando challenge for the first time.

The companies have been selected and we will introduce them to you here across the next three days.

Here are the first three businesses, which include a company with a no-code platform for 3D visualizations, a health tech firm that uses artificial intelligence to organize unstructured data and a digital transformation consultancy.

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

We see Agora World as a platform that can have a significant global impact. Our 3D visualization tools turn complex data into easily understandable 3D models and simulations. With Startup World Cup, we can showcase that vision to the world.

How does Agora World stand out?

We make powerful 3D data visualization and simulation tools accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Other solutions require extensive coding knowledge or expensive infrastructure. Our no-code platform allows users to create 3D visualizations in minutes. This means businesses can quickly understand, gain critical actionable insights, and act on their data without needing specialized teams or complex software. 

What is Agora World’s “why?”

Agora World was born out of my own struggle with the complexity of the XR and 3D space. As a non-coder, I spent 3.5 years building no-code tools for 3D creation, empowering hundreds of businesses and creators like myself to create product showcases, host events, and even create digital twins of physical environments. The problem I faced back in 2019 was simple—it’s incredibly difficult to build in 3D without specialized skills or resources. I wanted to solve that problem by creating a platform that makes 3D visualization accessible to everyone.

Atom Advantage

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

To showcase AI-driven solutions that address massive data challenges in health and insurance head-on. Health and insurance generate 30 percent of the world’s data, yet only 3 percent is fully utilized – primarily because it’s unstructured and difficult to analyze. The competition is an excellent opportunity for us to connect with investors and industry leaders who share our vision and can help us scale our impact even further.

How does Atom Advantage stand out?

We empower the human side of healthcare and insurance, enabling professionals to focus on what they do best. We solve one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: transforming unstructured data into actionable intelligence. Our AI tools enhance human abilities, rather than replace them, by automating repetitive tasks. This improves outcomes and helps address professional burnout, giving skilled workers more time to focus on their core expertise, improving both job satisfaction and efficiency.

What is Atom Advantage’s “why?”

To empower people and organizations to work smarter, drive innovation and deliver real value in an increasingly complex health and insurance landscape. We wanted to address a critical need, helping healthcare providers and insurance professionals regain time to focus on their core responsibilities by reducing administrative burdens. With the U.S. healthcare system wasting $935 billion annually due to administrative complexity, fragmented care, and operational inefficiencies, we saw an opportunity to tackle these challenges head-on. By leveraging AI to streamline data processes.

Why enter the Startup World Cup?

It presented an incredible opportunity to showcase our vision and innovative technology to a global audience. We are excited to connect with investors, potential partners, and fellow entrepreneurs who are passionate about shaping the future of the cloud.

How does Cuemby stand out?

We combine simplicity and flexibility, making powerful cloud technologies accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Our AI-driven platform automates complex tasks, optimizes costs, and enhances security, while providing a user-friendly experience. We also differentiate ourselves through a deep commitment to building a strong community and empowering businesses through knowledge sharing and personalized support. 

What is Cuemby’s “why?”

We democratize the cloud, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to leverage technology, innovate, and achieve their goals. We believe that the cloud should empower, not overwhelm. We have conducted over 100 technical due diligence for companies going through mergers and acquisitions and saw too many businesses struggling to harness the cloud’s full potential due to its complexity and the lack of accessible solutions.

The startups have been chosen. The venue has been secured.

Now, it’s time for the contenders to be rolled out.

In six days, the first-ever Startup World Cup in Orlando will show off 10 local startups, who will make their pitch to become the Central Florida representative at the World Cup’s San Francisco-based grand finale next month.

At stake is the chance to win the $1 million grand prize that will be handed out by Pegasus Tech Ventures.

During the next six days, we will roll out short profiles to give the community a chance to get to know the businesses that will be on stage at Orlando Science Center next Thursday.

But first, let’s introduce you to the teams.

Agora World, which offers a no-code platform that allows anyone, even those without technical expertise, to easily create 3D data visualizations and simulations.

Atom Advantage organizes unstructured data, connects patient journeys, and empowers businesses with AI tools and applications.

Cuemby is a digital transformation consultancy that helps businesses incorporate technology for sustainable growth, innovation and efficiency.

EVQLV has a goal of transforming antibody discovery for biopharm through technology, which could accelerate life-saving therapies and accelerate the process.

Halo Engines focuses on developing advanced propulsion systems for rockets.

Kismet Technologies uses nanotechnology to develop disinfecting solutions for physical surfaces and has recently focused more squarely on technology as an antimicrobial additive.

PETE Learning is an AI-driven learning platform that helps organizations deliver personalized workforce learning, at scale.

PreSend has developed software that prevents users from losing digital assets during blockchain transactions.

Spot Fitness App connects people with places, activities and others who might share common interests.

Start Left Security is an AI-powered platform that integrates supply chain security and manages vulnerabilities in a gamified setting.