Newsletter 12/5/2024

Happy Thursday! Last week may have been all about indulging, but Masterminds Tampa Bay is here to keep you satisfied with bite-sized insights—no food coma required. Let’s finish the week strong!

Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:

• Tampa Bay’s Biotech Breakthrough

• New Cybersecurity Incubator

• The Climate Tech Revolution

• End of Year Events To Attend

FEATURED

Tampa Bay's Biotech Breakthrough: Continuity Biosciences Launches to Transform Patient Care

Exciting news from the Tampa Bay biotech scene! Bradenton-based Continuity Biosciences has officially launched, aiming to revolutionize patient care with innovative healthcare solutions. Founded in 2024, this startup focuses on advanced delivery systems for cell therapy and drug delivery, targeting chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Co-founder Ramakrishna Venugopalan highlights their mission to make treatments easier and more convenient for patients by reducing the frequency of medical interventions. With a strong technology portfolio and funding secured through 2025, Continuity Biosciences is set to make a significant impact and help position Tampa Bay as a rising hub for biotech innovation. Keep an eye on this promising startup!

STARTUPS

Tampa Bay's Cybersecurity Boost: Cyber Florida Launches phaseZERO Innovation Incubator

Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida has launched phaseZERO, a seed fund initiative designed to transform cybersecurity innovations into successful businesses. This program aims to establish Florida as a national hub for cybersecurity entrepreneurship by providing funding and mentorship without taking equity, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building impactful solutions.

Key features of phaseZERO include:

• Modeled after the SBA's SBIR/STTR Phase I programs

• Addresses gaps in seed funding and mentorship

• Awards up to $60,000 each to four emerging Florida companies

• Application deadline: January 3, 2025

Successful applicants will gain access to Cyber Florida's extensive network of innovation partners. This initiative supports Cyber Florida's mission to make the state a leader in cybersecurity through education and research.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

Challenge: I’m something you can give but still keep. I grow stronger the more you use me, and I often determine your success. What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

CLIMATE TECH

Tampa Bay's Climate Tech Revolution: Innovators Tackling Environmental Challenges

The Tampa Bay area is witnessing a notable rise in climate tech startups, highlighting a growing commitment to environmental sustainability. Notable companies include:

1. Virginica: This startup is developing innovative artificial reefs for oyster beds that act as carbon capture systems, helping to mitigate climate change by extracting carbon ions from warming oceans.

2. AgWise: Focused on AI-driven precision agriculture, AgWise has raised $600,000 to help the food industry track and reduce carbon emissions, with applications aimed at addressing Florida's red tide.

3. Mudder AI: This company specializes in weather analytics, providing data to address climate-related challenges.

4. Cupper: Developing eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products, such as coffee pods, Cupper aims to minimize environmental impact.

These startups benefit from initiatives like the Tampa Bay Innovation Center's Climate Tech Accelerator, which offers mentoring and resources to early-stage companies. This growth reflects a broader trend in the industry, as climate tech becomes increasingly attractive to investors and entrepreneurs focused on making a positive environmental impact.

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, EVENTS, RESOURCES, ETC…

• 🏆 Tampa Bay Wave Hall of Fame Fundraiser & Awards Celebration - Celebrate local tech achievements on December 11 at this annual awards event.

• 🤝 End of Year Tech Meetup - Connect with the tech community and reflect on the year’s successes on December 11 at Embarc Collective.

• 📅 Want to sponsor an upcoming Masterminds event? Register here!

Answer:

Your network!

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