Newsletter 12.21.2023

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Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay - we give you that same feeling as being in your friend’s Top 8 on Myspace. If you know, you know…

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Tampa startup secures $1.6 Million in funding

• St. Pete company launches new disruptive tech

• The new space race is on and this St. Pete company is at the forefront

• Who won what at this year’s Tech celebration event

THE SPOTLIGHT

Tampa VR Company Secures $1.6M

The National Institutes of Health has granted $1.6 million to a research project led by Tampa-based virtual reality company Immertec and the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation.

The two-year study aims to enhance medical training access for healthcare professionals in rural areas using Immertec's virtual reality platform. The initiative focuses on sharing high-quality medical training and mentorship with rural health professionals.

The project, supported by a small business innovation grant, includes participation from two family medicine residency programs in underserved rural Florida areas, addressing emergency obstetrics training.

COMMUNITY

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Let the community know what big plans you have for 2024 »

LAUNCH

Revolutionary $300,000 All-Electric Boat Coming Out of St. Petersburg

Former Tesla executive, John Vo, founder of Blue Innovations Group (BIG), has successfully launched his all-electric boat, the R30, promising to disrupt the boating industry with Silicon Valley-inspired technology.

Vo's approach focuses on meeting boat owners' needs through physics and science, leading to innovations like an inboard motor, foldable rear sides for additional activity space, and a battery-powered, silent, and pollution-free propulsion system.

The R30, the first 30-foot electric day cruiser designed and manufactured in Florida, boasts an 800-horsepower dual-motor system, a satellite-enabled Wi-Fi system, and an eight-hour runtime. With a starting price of around $300,000, Vo plans to produce about 500 R30s annually, with reservations open for delivery in late 2024

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I'm not a present, but I come in a box, Invisible magic, like a festive paradox. I bring joy and cheer, though you can't see my face, Around the holidays, I fill the space.

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

OUT THERE

St. Pete's Lonestar Data Shoots for the Moon with J.F. Honeycutt Mission Control Grand Opening

Lonestar Data Holdings, a lunar-focused startup in St. Petersburg, opens its J.F. Honeycutt Mission Control center, a crucial facility for two planned missions to transmit data from the Moon.

The mission control center is named after NASA engineer Jay F. Honeycutt, known for his contributions to the Apollo 13 mission. Lonestar's first mission, scheduled for January 12, will transmit the Declaration of Independence from the Moon, and the mission control will receive the Bill of Rights from the lunar lander.

Lonestar aims to store the world's data on the Moon and views the moon missions as essential for disaster recovery and data protection

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

RECAP

Our Tech Celebration Was A HUGE Success!

This past Tuesday marked a memorable evening at the Aloft, where the vibrant pulse of technology converged for our Tampa Bay Tech Leaders Year-End Celebration.

We welcomed over 150 attendees to not only celebrate the collective achievements of our tech community but to also to recognize outstanding individuals and startups that have significantly contributed to the innovation landscape.

This included:

• Distinguished Tech Startup: Spontivly

• Sustainable Startup Leader: Tony Selvaggio, CEO at eSmart Recycling

• Tech Leader Award: Meghan O'Keefe, President at Tampa Bay Tech

These individuals and companies have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also played pivotal roles in steering our community toward a future defined by innovation and sustainability.

As we look back on this remarkable evening, there's a profound sense of pride in the accomplishments of our community. Together, we celebrated entrepreneurship and innovation, acknowledging the collective effort that has propelled Tampa Bay into a hub of tech excellence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable celebration. Here's to a future filled with continued growth, collaboration, and technological breakthroughs in our Tampa Bay area.

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

• 🤩 Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is seeking innovative solutions for rural cancer patients. Prize is $50,000 and support by TGH Innoventures and TGH Cancer Institute. Apply Today

Brain Teaser Answer:

An ornament

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