Can we just have a moment of appreciation of the puppy in the photo below?
Welcome to IAAPA week in Central Florida!
We know what that means: fair food, new rides, big announcements, virtual reality, game shows and, this year, HTC’s first-ever appearance.
We will have a great stream of content here and on our socials but, for now, enjoy this opening day gallery from the show floor!
Two University of Central Florida computer science students have made it to the Olympics of cybersecurity.
Senior Matthew McKeever and graduate student Jeffrey DiVincent will represent the U.S. as part of the country’s 30-member Cyber Team, which competes in various international scrimmages.
This will mark the second time McKeever has made the team.
“The Cyber Games play a strategic role in preparing our cybersecurity workforce for a highly dynamic future created by digital innovations such as AI, quantum technologies or biotech,” said U.S. Cyber Games Commissioner Jessica Gulick in a release. “As we enter our third season, the caliber of cyber talent is advancing, enabling our program to evolve from skills-based to helping athletes practice rapid triage, cognitive endurance, situational awareness and teamwork.”
The U.S. team participates in a handful of events, including the Cyber Games and International Cybersecurity Challenge. Competitions generally include various cyber competition formats, including capture the flag and hardware challenges.
McKeever and DiVincent are members of UCF’s Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition, which recently placed first in the U.S. Department of Energy’s CyberForce Competition.
“Meeting and interacting with the various countries at the competition was enlightening, learning their culture and socializing in general, but more importantly, fun,” said McKeever, who was named to the team last year, as well. “Everyone was extremely talented and respectful, but also competitive.”
Though he is new to the national team, DiVincent has already competed on an international level as a member of the UCF C3 team this year.
“The two things I am most excited about are the ability to learn from some of the country’s best young minds and getting to travel around the world,” he said. “I love learning, and I love seeing the world.”
The appointments to the team carry on a strong tradition for UCF’s cybersecurity program, which has racked up 80 first-place finishes in the last 12 years.
“UCF is recognized as a cybersecurity powerhouse far beyond campus due to our performance record in multiple cyber competitions every year,” coach and associate instructor Tom Nedorost said. “We compete in more competitions and practice together as a team than other schools. overall, Over the past 12 years, we’ve brought home 80 first place, 24 second place and 23 third place awards to date.”
It is perhaps the new-age digital arms race.
As artificial intelligence use in the private sector grows, so too does it become a more-important tool for governments around the world.
In fact, the weaponization of the technology sits squarely on the minds of government officials at the top level.
“Every country around the world is racing to use artificial intelligence to build a future that expresses their values,” said Arati Prabhakar, director of the Joe Biden White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. “We can disagree about a lot of things in this country but one thing we can all agree on is none of us wants to live in a future shaped by technologies driven by authoritarian regimes.”
Prabhakar made the comments in a video interview shared in Orlando during the opening night of Techonomy 23, a summit that looks at the “promise and peril” of AI technologies.
The three-day event in the city’s Lake Nona region takes experts from several industries to tackle the topic.
Her appearance comes on the heels of a late October Biden executive order that aims to make AI safer, more secure and more trustworthy.
“American leadership in the world today requires American leadership in artificial intelligence,” she said. “That’s why the executive order was such a big step.”
The executive order created a new framework for AI safety and security.
Among these is a requirement that developers conduct safety tests and share their results with the government.
In addition, the executive order protects against using AI to create biological material and provides guardrails to protect against fraud and deception using AI.
Prabhakar compared the current state of AI regulation and oversight to the early days of medicine.
“Anyone could sell you a potion and it might kill you or it might make you well,” she said. “Clinical trials were a statistical way not of solving all of the problems but giving us enough confidence in a particular drug to be able to harness the benefit of pharmaceuticals and contain those risks.”
For the first time, the emerging tech conference Techonomy has landed in Orlando.
The three-day discussion will focus on the benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence technology in a variety of industries.
Among the expected speakers and topics will be New York Academy of Sciences President and CEO Nicholas Dirks on the confluence of AI and humanity.
Deutsche Bank CIO Gil Perez will speak on a panel that covers how AI influences banking.
In addition, Space Florida CEO Robert Long will speak on the space industry.
But there is local flair, as well.
On Monday, four local experts will speak on how simulated worlds have delivered real results.
Among those is Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of Orlando Economic Partnership.
“We will not just witness a tech event,” he said. “We are part of a conversation that shapes the future.”
The event, he said, “encourages us to explore the multifaceted landscape of AI, fostering a community that understands and embraces the potential of artificial intelligence in both our economic endeavors and the fabric of our everyday lives.”
We asked him a few more questions about the event, covering how Lake Nona fits in, how Orlando uses AI and how local companies have been leading the way in artificial intelligence (edited for clarity and length).
Tim Giuliani: Lake Nona in Orlando stands as a pivotal location including the areas of tech and innovation due to its concentration of medical and research facilities, notably the Lake Nona Medical City, which has positioned the area as a leader in health innovation.
NOTE: Giuliani also mentioned the region’s smart city initiatives, startup ecosystem through the Lake Nona Institute and educational and research institutions
TG: Coupled with a focus on quality of life and wellness-oriented urban planning, (it) enhances the overall appeal for tech professionals.
TG: It underscores Lake Nona’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and networking, solidifying its role as a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for technological advancements in Florida.
TG: It is a huge opportunity that we are not taking lightly. Orlando is Unbelievably Real and we are at the forefront of innovation in many areas. This presents a substantial opportunity for the Orlando region to showcase its technological prowess and highlight regional expertise.
TG: By examining the guest list, which includes influential figures, thought leaders, and heavy hitters, including some from our region, we have a unique chance to demonstrate the Orlando region’s advancements, innovations, and capabilities. It’s a platform for the region to not only exhibit its current standing in technology but also to engage with key players in the industry, fostering collaboration, attracting investment, and potentially positioning Orlando as a prominent tech hub.
In the realm of economic development, AI stands as a powerful driver for growth in our community. The opportunities presented by advancements in artificial intelligence span diverse industries, from healthcare to agriculture, and government to finance. As we navigate AI innovation, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact it will have on our everyday lives. From personalized healthcare solutions to efficient transportation systems, AI is set to become an integral part of our daily experiences.
TG: Major players like Falcon’s Beyond, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, UCF and OEP alongside industry powerhouses speaks volumes about Orlando’s standing in the tech community. The participation of these key companies underscores Orlando’s emergence as a significant hub for technology and innovation. It indicates that the city is not only home to renowned corporations in various sectors, including aerospace, consulting, and private equity, but also that these entities actively contribute to and are recognized in the broader technology landscape.
TG: Orlando’s tech community is dynamic, diverse, and capable of making substantial contributions to discussions surrounding AI, innovation, and the future of technology. This event positions Orlando as a place where major players converge to share insights and expertise, showcasing the city’s influence and expertise in the ever-evolving tech ecosystem.
When Worth Media Group CEO Josh Kampel visited Orlando’s Lake Nona region about a year ago to moderate a forum, he was impressed that the area had been built around the intersection of technology, innovation and well-being.
So, when it came time to choose a location for the publication’s flagship conference, “Techonomy: The Promise and Peril of AI,” he quickly determined Lake Nona’s Wave Hotel would do the trick.
Not only would the hotel’s technologically advanced structure fit right in with the conference focus.
The neighborhood would also provide a range of offerings for conference-goers to enjoy as they made their way through the event’s three days.
“A lot of times, when you do a conference like this, your attendees are stuck in a ballroom or a hotel for three days,” he said. “The way (Lake Nona) was designed allows us to use various aspects of the location.”
Techonomy starts Sunday afternoon, bringing national experts to discuss the state of artificial intelligence as it affects various sectors.
The event made its debut in 2010 and has been hosted in various cities, including Detroit, Tucson, Ariz., and Washington, D.C., among others.
Among the experts coming to Orlando are tech leaders from major companies and organizations including GE, Qualcomm, the New York Academy of Sciences, Deutsche Bank, FedEx and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In addition, Orlando-based experts from KPMG, Falcon’s Beyond, Guidewell and others will also take the stage.
You can see a full list by CLICKING HERE.
These experts traveling to Orlando – or walking out their doors to visit Lake Nona for the conference – provides a cross-section with enough range that they can tackle the AI question comprehensively, Kampel said.
“The core concept behind Techonomy is to not just look at the digital transformation,” he said. “Instead, let’s look behind the transformation to look at the bigger societal impact it could make.”
The timing of the conference likely could not be more ideal.
Wide-ranging industries including government, education and entertainment have been dealing with how to implement – or limit – the use of artificial intelligence.
Rather than focus on tools being used, Techonomy targets whether their use benefits society or not.
However, Kampel warns the conference’s purpose is not to render a verdict on the tech.
“It’s bringing the people who represent government, academia, obviously different industries to talk about the bigger picture of going down this path,” he said. “Tech is ingrained in our personal and professional lives. What will the impact be on the bigger picture, on our kids, on our lives? How do we balance that? How do we govern that?”
For Tavistock SVP of Brand Experience & Innovation Juan Santos, landing a conference like Techonomy illustrates what the 17-square-mile Lake Nona area has been pushing for.
It’s a chance to show off its footprint rather than draw comparisons to other well-known tech communities, he said.
That’s why it was a no-brainer to welcome the Techonomy team once the shift to the East Coast was imminent.
“A lot of talk is about being the Silicon Valley of the South,” Santos said. “I don’t want to be that. Silicon Valley is Silicon Valley. New York is New York. What we need to do is say ‘This is Lake Nona,’ and it needs to be understood that this means innovation.”
The region has worked to set itself apart when it comes to implementing the latest technologies, when possible.
However, one challenge is letting people from outside of the region know what Lake Nona offers.
“It’s not the same thing to tell the story,” Santos said. “It’s better when you can show them. This is a huge opportunity. We want to be able to show the world that we are a tech destination, as well.”
That’s why the agenda includes some informal outings in the neighborhood.
Even before the event starts Sunday evening, the site will already pay dividends for those in attendance. The U.S. Tennis Association’s National Headquarters will host former No. 1 tennis player Lindsay Davenport, who will offer tennis lessons on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Santos will lead an art walk around the Wave Hotel and other areas in Lake Nona.
The conference will then showcase Boxi Park, the outdoor music venue with food truck-style eateries, during a concert on Monday.
“It’s been an uphill battle but it’s been a fun challenge,” Kampel said. “But we have a great partner. We hope to get great local investors and entrepreneurs excited about AI.”
As for the specific agenda of the conference, the goal is to bring industries together for a big-picture discussion, he said.
“We have this opportunity to bring this multi-stakeholder audience that can have a very serious conversation about the bigger impact,” he said.
“You need adults in the room and people who are willing to debate the pros and cons of what this technology is doing,” he said. “You need the regulators in the room to talk about: How do we potentially govern this and put policies in place? Everything is a dialogue.”
The annual Maker Faire Orlando took over the Central Florida Fairgrounds for two days this weekend, offering up a helping of creators and makers.
The annual event frequently includes a heavy tech component, providing an outlet for creators to share projects and interact with the community. .
We visited the Fairgrounds to capture some great visuals to give an idea of what the event means.
It didn’t take long for world-class golf pros Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to support the concept and technology behind TMRW Sports’ TGL.
The two longtime golfers, sports industry pioneers and ambassadors have long been advocates for how technology can make golf more accessible and exciting.
So, when Founder and CEO Mike McCarley pitched them an idea of a technology-infused golf league that marries a data-rich, virtual course with a broadcast component that sends golf into prime time they were immediately on board.
“They both understood it and understood the opportunity from the very first time they heard about it,” Joey Brander, a member of the founding team and its Vice President, Corporate Development, said at a technology conference in Orlando last week. “Both of them were on board from Day 1.”
Brander took the stage at Orlando’s MetaCenter Global Week alongside TMRW Sports’ Chief Technology Officer Andrew Macaulay to dive deep into TGL’s upcoming launch.
In a chat with Jason Siegel of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Brander and Macaulay shared the latest.
TMRW SPORTS: A NEW TYPE OF LEAGUE
TGL presented by SoFi will be played in a new, technology-laden sports venue, SoFi Center, on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The facility’s tech stage has the potential to permanently shift the landscape of in-person sporting events.
TGL’s giant screen powered by Full Swing technology measuring 64 feet high by 46 feet across, roughly 20 times the size of a standard simulator screen. Players will hit from real grass tee boxes at both tee box/fairway, rough length, as well as real sand. And the venue’s revolutionary short game area is where technology takes a leap forward.
The area will be equipped with about 700 hydraulic jacks that allows the venue to simulate undulations on putting greens.
Computer controlled software allows venue operators to customize it exactly as they want it.
Then, as competitors in the venue complete a hole and move on to the next, actuators fire up to simulate the next green.
“It’s phenomenal,” Macaulay said. “We have been researching and developing for six to seven months with our synthetics. We have also come up with a proprietary layering technique.”
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
Serial entrepreneur Eva Palatinsky took three key lessons from her first business, a flower shop she opened in Brazil around 2010.
First, as a tenant in a shopping mall, she learned how to deal with big corporations.
As a growing business, she learned quickly the importance of hiring the right people.
Finally, she learned that flowers die in the Brazilian heat when you turn off the AC for an entire weekend.
“It was crazy,” she said with a laugh as she recollected recently. “Nobody tells you that. I never again want to work with inventory that can die.”
She quickly moved past that misstep to build multiple businesses before her current pursuit, Globalfy, a client of UCF’s Business Incubation Program.
The company helps foreign-born business owners navigate the intricacies of the U.S.’s complicated rules and regulations for enterprise.
Palatinsky said she was, essentially, her first customer before she even knew it.
Having built a business in Brazil, she ran into a series of obstacles when she wanted to move it to the U.S. in 2012.
After discovering that her company was non-compliant with some of the rules in the U.S., her accountant essentially dismissed her concerns, saying she never asked.
However, Palatinsky says it’s difficult for entrepreneurs to even know what to ask when moving into a new economy.
So she started blogging about how to build a business in the U.S. and saw traction almost immediately.
The goal, she says, is to minimize roadblocks to foreign-born entrepreneurs, as well as those for whom English is a second language.
“When they can make informed decisions, they have more of a chance to succeed,” Palatinsky said. “They know what to expect in their new country’s business environment.”
The business began out of a simple blog that tackled the U.S. business landscape in multiple languages.
The actual brand Globalfy launched in 2015 and almost immediately drew clients who had questions as they navigated the sometimes complicated structures and regulations.
Now, eight years later, the company has nearly 9,000 clients, 80 employees and plans to expand its services next year.
The website content is free but it has led to client work, Palatinsky said.
“What is important is the long-term relationships,” she said. “If they are blindsided, and open a business without knowing what it requires, what taxes they need to pay, they most likely will not succeed.”
To soften her landing, Palatinsky became involved with UCF’s Business Incubation Program.
Globalfy became an incubator client working out of its downtown Orlando location in 2021.
“The incubator was a really important part of our journey,” she said. “They have so many connections in the local entrepreneurial scene.”
Through the incubator, Palatinsky was connected to a stable of mentors, including former Darden CEO Kim Lopdrup.
“How else would I have access to someone like him, to discuss business and help with decisions I had to make?” she said. “It makes immersion inside the startup scene in Orlando easier. You build relationships through these programs.”
Transitioning a business from a foreign country to the U.S. certainly has its business-related obstacles.
However, paired with cultural differences makes the challenge even more daunting. Palatinsky used her own experiences to built Globalfy into a resource to help with that.
“We needed to learn about schools they had or even the celebrations they have here,” she said. “Google was my best friend.”
Entrepreneurship runs in Palatinsky’s family.
Her brother and father both have run businesses.
So, the ups and downs she has faced were nothing new and now she gets to impart that message to others.
“It was the natural path to change my life and to change other people’s lives, as well,” she said. “Having a traditional career at a company, you can do that, too. But I never wanted to follow the traditional path. I wanted to create one.”
SERIES PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
Well, it’s not yet 2024 but an Orlando company has already landed on one of those “best of” lists for this year.
NUVIEW’s satellite-based laser imaging technology has been named a top invention of the year by TIME in the “experimental” category.
The company plans to launch 20 LiDAR satellites and make them live in 2025.
LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging.
The technology uses pulsed laser light to measure distances from the Earth, allowing 3D software to map out an area’s topography
“Lidar technology has immense potential to empower global climate initiatives and contribute to a sustainable future. We are honored to be awarded as one of TIME’s extraordinary innovations changing lives,” says Clint Graumann, CEO and Co-Founder of NUVIEW, in a press release.
An initial use case is allowing scientists to keep track of how Earth’s natural environment is changing.
NUVIEW’s technology will help scientists and others see through thickets of tree cover.
In addition, it will help track changes that happen in the dark. These two obstacles have, until now, limited the accuracy of topographic data and studies.
NUVIEW launched out of stealth mode in May.
Its main office is in the Lake Nona region of southeast Orlando.
The TIME magazine feature listed 200 of the best innovations.
TIME’s editors describe the list as “200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions).”
The list includes the world’s most powerful supercomputer, a game-changing entertainment venue, and a new shape.
TIME went on to say the technologies will change how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”
See the full list here: time.com/best-inventions-2023
Jared Violin kicked off what could end up becoming one of the more formative weeks in Orlando tech’s long history.
Across three days of conferences, heavy hitters from across the tech world visited Orlando to share their expertise and check out what’s brewing in our community.
We wanted to share a short look at the week using Violin’s sound as our guide.
We hope you enjoy.