The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation and eMerge Americas partnered to organize last month’s 3rd Annual South Florida Innovation Day. The event drew over 400 attendees from the region and provided a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to delve into the latest trends. The focus was on fostering collaboration in manufacturing through entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, emerging technology and healthcare.
“We were proud to host our 3rd Annual South Florida Innovation Day, which brought together so many forward-thinking individuals and companies,” says Kelley Shanley, Interim Executive Director of the Levan Center of Innovation. “South Florida Innovation Day is a true testament to the innovation, collaboration, and growth happening right here in our region.”
The event started with a mesmerizing show featuring two LED drummers, establishing an atmosphere of innovation and creativity. Their high-energy performance electrified the audience, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead.
Opening remarks were given by Mili Peluso, Deputy Executive Director of the Levan Center of Innovation; Kelley Shanley, Interim Executive Director of the Levan Center of Innovation; Alan B. Levan, founder and Chair of the Levan Center of Innovation and Chairman of BBX Capital; Michael Udine, Broward County Commissioner and former Mayor of Broward County; and Melissa Medina, Co-Founder and CEO of eMerge Americas.
Keynote speaker Saif Ishoof, the Founder and CEO of Lab22c, delivered an impactful speech about the future of technology and innovation. Other distinguished speakers and panelists included Christofer Burger, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Miami; Sylvia Cesaratto, Consul General of Canada in Miami; Andrew R. Cagnetta Jr., CEO of Transworld Business Advisors; Mark Glickman, President & CEO of BioFlorida; Sean Walling, Senior Manager of Advance Operation at Stryker; and Anne P. Mohns, PhD, Director of Operations Engineering Technology at Medtronic’s OI Manufacturing Technology Development division.
The day was packed with dynamic workshops, engaging panel discussions and high-energy pitch sessions, highlighting the future of South Florida’s flourishing innovation ecosystem. Participants also delved into Emerging Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare and Manufacturing tracks, promoting collaboration and networking in South Florida’s expanding tech and manufacturing hubs.
Throughout the day, participants had the chance to participate in a Business Expo, where local startups and companies displayed their innovative products and services, encouraging collaboration and networking.
The most exciting part of the day was the startup pitch competition, during which five innovative companies presented their groundbreaking ideas:
- Lamatic.ai
- Enchanted Wave
- Campus Run
- Catch a Captain
- Yuvie
The two winners of the competition were:
- Cheng Qian founded Enchanted Wave, a company specializing in brainwave technology. Enchanted Wave participated in the Levan Center of Innovation’s Accelerate Program earlier this year.
- Lilyana Demerdjieva and Jack Sardina are co-founders of Campus Run, an app streamlining campus logistics that graduated from the Levan Center of Innovation’s Incubate Program in late 2023.
Both companies received a $1,000 prize and were fast-tracked to participate in the eMerge Global Startup Accelerator + Showcase. This program connects promising startups with mentors, investors, and corporate enterprises.
This year, South Florida Innovation Day received generous sponsorship from 35 Mules, eMerge Americas, PNC Bank, TD Bank and FI Group. Their support was instrumental in enhancing the event, facilitating various programming, and backing the innovation community in South Florida.
The day ended with a private VIP reception that brought together South Florida’s influential stakeholders, providing further networking opportunities and honoring the innovative drive that propels the region forward.
For more information about South Florida Innovation Day 2025, please visit www.sflinnovationday.com. For more information about the Levan Center of Innovation, please visit https://www.nova.edu/innovation/.
