Two South Florida startups took home awards at the 2023 Florida Aerospace and Emerging Tech Forum on June 8.
Miami Beach-based Kind Designs won the $40,000 grand prize award at the event, held in Melbourne. It was organized by Space Florida, the state's aerospace economic development agency, and the Florida Venture Forum, an organization that supports investors and entrepreneurs.
Orlando venture capital firm DeepWork Capital announced it will invest $100,000 in Kind Designs. Founded by entrepreneur Anya Freeman, the early stage startup uses 3-D printing to make sustainable seawalls that can help ward off sea level rise in coastal communities.
The 3D-printed seawalls are designed to mimic coral reefs, making it possible for the structures to protect shorelines from flooding while creating an ecosystem for marine life. The seawalls are also embedded with sensor systems to collect water quality data.
Zulu Pods, a Fort Lauderdale startup led by Rob Sladen, was the first runner-up and was awarded $30,000. The company provides lubrication delivery technology to the aerospace and defense market.
Cocoa Beach's Ainthoven was the second runner-up and will receive $20,000. The third runner-up, Gigantor Technologies in Melbourne Beach, will receive $10,000.
“This year’s applicants exhibited exceptional innovation and leadership, and we believe they are poised to make an impact on the aerospace industry in today’s business climate,” Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello said in a statement.
The winning startups were selected from a pool of more than 60 applicants by a committee of venture capital investors. The judges reviewed each company's presentation and supporting materials during the decision making process.
The Florida Aerospace and Emerging Tech Forum aims to grow emerging technology and aerospace ventures in the Sunshine State. Part of that mission involves connecting businesses with industry experts and investment opportunities.
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