WEST PALM BEACH AND MIAMI, FL – A landmark collaboration between prominent business leaders and organizations is set to redefine the technology landscape of Southeast Florida. On August 11, 2025, eMerge Americas, real estate powerhouse Related Ross, and the esteemed Florida Council of 100 officially announced the launch of the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program. This ambitious initiative aims to cement the region’s status as a premier global hub for capital, innovation, and entrepreneurship, fostering a dynamic business and technology corridor stretching from Miami to West Palm Beach.
The Vision: Forging a New Tech Corridor
The Gold Coast Tech Accelerator is a direct response to South Florida’s burgeoning economic growth and its increasing recognition as an epicenter for technological advancement and investment. The program is conceived as a critical first step in a broader vision to develop a seamless innovation corridor, supported by robust infrastructure, academic institutions, and corporate backing. Its primary goal is to attract and cultivate impactful startups, providing them with the necessary resources to scale rapidly within Florida and beyond.
“The accelerator program illustrates our commitment and positions Florida as a leading hub for tech-driven global business, particularly along the Gold Coast corridor from Miami to West Palm Beach,” stated Stephen Ross, CEO of Related Ross. He further emphasized the region’s appeal, noting, “We are witnessing a dynamic technology surge in this region, with more Fortune 500 tech companies considering South Florida as their next expansion opportunity.”
A Collaborative Powerhouse: The Architects Behind the Initiative
This transformative program is the result of a powerful partnership between three key entities, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
eMerge Americas, renowned as a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, plays a pivotal role. As the host of the annual tech conference in Miami where this announcement was first heard, eMerge Americas consistently connects global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders. Melissa Medina, CEO & Co-founder of eMerge Americas, underscored the program’s unique value, saying, “This kind of opportunity can change the trajectory of a startup. It’s not often one gets access to the vast knowledge and experience of more than 200 CEOs who can lead you on a fast track to growth and success.”
Related Ross, led by real estate titan Stephen Ross, is central to the initiative, particularly through its significant footprint in West Palm Beach. Stephen Ross, also the founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Related Companies and owner of the Miami Dolphins, has been instrumental in driving transformative growth in South Florida. His firm will contribute physical space in West Palm Beach for one of the accelerator’s tracks, underscoring the deep commitment of private sector leaders to nurturing the region’s tech ecosystem.
The Florida Council of 100, a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization comprising over 200 of Florida’s top business leaders, is the driving force behind this collaborative venture. The Council and its Foundation are dedicated to improving Florida’s economic well-being and enhancing its quality of life through strategic initiatives and policy solutions. Michael Simas, President & CEO of The Florida Council of 100, highlighted the broader implications: “This is more than an economic development project—it’s a global statement that Florida is ready to lead in innovation. With this initiative, we are ensuring that companies landing here don’t just start in Florida—they scale here and expand across the entire state.” The Council’s members will provide invaluable mentorship and serve as potential investors during the program’s Demo Day.
Program Dynamics: Fueling Fintech and Dual-Use Innovation
The Gold Coast Tech Accelerator will launch this fall with two exclusive eight-week hybrid programs, each tailored to specific, high-growth sectors critical to South Florida’s economy.
The Fintech program will be strategically located in West Palm Beach, utilizing spaces generously contributed by Related Ross. This focus capitalizes on South Florida’s strength in financial technology; the region has been a leading sector for venture capital activity in fintech for at least the last five years. Florida itself ranks second nationally in Finance and Insurance GDP growth over the past half-decade, surpassing even New York and California.
The Dual-Use and Defense Technology program will operate out of Miami, with dedicated space provided by The LAB Miami in the vibrant Wynwood district. This track targets startups developing technologies with both civilian and military applications, leveraging Florida’s robust defense industry. Florida ranks second nationally in the manufacturing of defense systems and aerospace products, contributing over $100 billion annually to the state’s economy. This accelerator will help these trendmakers bridge the gap between innovative concepts and real-world commercial and governmental applications.
Each program is designed to immerse participating founders—anticipated to be between 10 to 12 startups per track—in an intensive experience. Benefits include direct access to elite mentorship from top CEOs, opportunities for corporate pilot programs and strategic partnerships, market access to Florida’s thriving ecosystem, and connections to the state’s vast investor network. Participants will also receive complimentary meeting and collaboration space throughout the program.
South Florida’s Ascendancy as a Global Tech Hub
The launch of the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator comes at a pivotal moment for South Florida, a region rapidly transforming into a global technology powerhouse. Miami, in particular, has seen an unprecedented influx of startups, venture capital, and top-tier talent, propelled by strategic government policies, appealing financial incentives, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
With a zero state income tax, a strategic location serving as a bridge to Latin America, and an attractive climate, Miami has attracted significant venture capital, with funding soaring to $4.6 billion in 2024, a 35% increase from the previous year. The city’s startup ecosystem was valued at approximately $95 billion in 2024, jumping to 16th globally.
This accelerator program is poised to further accelerate this momentum, attracting more high-wage jobs and cementing Florida’s reputation as a magnet for innovation. It’s a testament to the fact that the region is not just witnessing growth; it is actively shaping the future, demonstrating its role as a hotbed for trendmakers across various sectors.
Anticipated Impact and Future Trajectory
The Gold Coast Tech Accelerator is expected to have a profound impact on participating startups and the broader regional economy. By connecting founders with the vast knowledge and experience of Florida’s top business leaders, the program aims to provide a fast track to growth and success, helping companies navigate the complexities of scaling within a dynamic market.
The program will culminate in a Demo Day, offering standout startups a crucial opportunity to pitch their innovations directly to members of The Florida Council of 100, opening doors to potential investment and partnerships. Additionally, participants will gain exclusive access to the invitation-only Tech Basel Miami AI Summit in December, providing further exposure and networking opportunities.
This strategic investment in targeted innovation signals a strong collective commitment to Florida’s long-term economic resilience. As the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator prepares to welcome its first cohort this fall, it stands as a clear indicator of South Florida’s determined ascent as a leading global technology and innovation hub, attracting capital, fostering talent, and driving the future of key industries.
