Vertex Innovation Expo March 28 to Showcase Florida Tech’s Powerful New Hub
Public Event Features Expert-Led Discussions, Building Tours and Demos, Networking and More
MELBOURNE, FLA. — The first annual Vertex Innovation Expo is happening from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, a thrilling public event that will feature expert-led discussions, tours and interactive activities such as drone demos and solar car rides, and impactful networking opportunities – all aligned to foster collaboration and business growth.
The free, public event is at Florida Tech’s new Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, 2495 Palm Bay Road NE in Palm Bay. Guests are encouraged to register ahead of the event.
“Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale, a researcher exploring partnerships, a university student eager to engage with real-world innovation, or a professional interested in applied research and industry collaboration, the Vertex Innovation Expo will offer valuable insights and connections,” said Vertex Executive Director Samantha Miles.
Among the highlights at the Expo:
>> Innovation Showcase: Meet Vertex partners, including local businesses, community innovators, professional organizations, Florida Tech faculty and students, and tech suppliers, in an outdoor marketplace featuring emerging technologies and business solutions.
Enjoy goodies from area food trucks as Vertex Business in Residence (BIR) Larsen Motorsports displays its Florida Tech jet dragster. Look up for drone demonstrations from BIR Zeal OTM or buckle in for rides in a solar car from another BIR, Solar Transport Systems.
>> Behind-the-Scenes Facility Tours: Explore Vertex’s labs, equipment and workspaces where industry-facing applied research and new initiatives fuel discovery and collaboration. See cool examples of prototyping and cutting-edge additive manufacturing and learn about high-level student design projects.
>> Free sessions and panels: Gain insights from industry leaders on business growth, funding and regional innovation (times approximate):
- 2:15-2:40 p.m.: What’s Next for the Space Coast presented bythe Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
- 2:45-3:30 p.m.: Building a Financial Foundation to Scale Your Business, presented by CEO Nexus
- 3:35-4 p.m.: Introduction to Small Business Innovation Research Programs (SBIRs), presented byFlorida High Tech Corridor
- 4:05-4:45 p.m.: Navigating Government Contracting, presented by Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center.
Officially launched in February, Vertex brings together industry, higher education, local and state governments, investors, community members and more to empower transformative partnerships, connecting them with applied engineering technologies, customized workforce development programs and the unmatched talents and expertise of the Florida Tech community.
“The Expo is a wonderful opportunity to discover Vertex, experience our state-of-the-art facilities and technology, research excellence and tailored support services, and connect with both the Vertex team and business and community leaders all working toward the same goal: the growth and sustained success of the Space Coast,” Miles said.
