Miami's technology sector is experiencing a surge of activity, with significant developments across medical technology, financial services, and space exploration. Key announcements include a crypto payment firm's strategic acquisition, a new partnership in space weather monitoring, and a major endorsement for a medical device company's tremor treatment.
These advancements, alongside new ventures in sustainable technology and digital media, highlight the region's growing influence as a hub for innovation. The news reflects a dynamic ecosystem where local startups are securing national recognition and forming key partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- Insightec: The company's focused ultrasound technology, used to treat essential tremor, received a high-profile endorsement from "Downton Abbey" creator Lord Julian Fellowes.
- MoonPay: The Miami-based crypto firm acquired Meso Network to enhance its payment infrastructure and compete with established financial giants.
- Mission Space: A new partnership with Star Catcher Industries aims to improve real-time space weather monitoring through an innovative orbital power grid.
- Blue Frontier: The sustainable air conditioning company was selected for the prestigious Amazon Sustainability Accelerator program.
- Betr: The media and gaming startup is expanding its content by partnering with basketball players Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball for a new podcast.
Breakthroughs in Medical and Health Technology
The health-tech sector in South Florida has marked a significant milestone with a prominent public figure sharing a personal success story. This development brings attention to non-invasive medical procedures changing patients' lives.
Insightec's Tremor Treatment Gains Recognition
Insightec, a medical technology firm, has gained notable attention after its MR-guided focused ultrasound technology was used to treat Lord Julian Fellowes. The Oscar-winning screenwriter, known for creating "Downton Abbey" and "The Gilded Age," underwent the procedure to address his essential tremor (ET), a condition he has lived with for over a decade.
Following the non-invasive treatment, Lord Fellowes reported a meaningful improvement in his tremor. He has partnered with Insightec to share his experience, highlighting how the therapy restored his ability to perform daily tasks like writing by hand, which is crucial for his profession.
Understanding Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking. It is one of the most common movement disorders worldwide, estimated to affect more than 60 million people. The condition can make simple tasks such as drinking from a glass, tying shoelaces, or writing difficult.
Insightec's technology offers an outpatient therapy that does not require surgical incisions or implants. It uses focused sound waves guided by magnetic resonance imaging to target the specific area in the brain responsible for the tremor.
"Julian Fellowes’ story shines a light on what many people living with essential tremor experience every day: the frustration of losing simple abilities that most of us take for granted," said Maurice R. Ferré, CEO and Chairman of Insightec.
To date, over 25,000 patients have been treated with Insightec’s technology at 197 centers globally, including 84 in the United States. This demonstrates the growing adoption of incisionless therapies for movement disorders.
FAU Receives Grant for Marine Restoration
In another health-related development, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has secured a significant grant to support marine ecosystem restoration. Andria Chavez-Fonnegra, an associate professor of biology, was awarded a five-year, $720,446 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The project will use a genetics-based approach to restore sponge populations in Florida Bay. Sponges are vital to the marine environment, as they filter large volumes of water, cycle nutrients, and provide habitat for other species. This research is the first genetic assessment of sponge restoration in the area and aims to build long-term resilience in a vulnerable ecosystem.
Strategic Moves in Fintech and Digital Payments
Miami's reputation as a fintech hub continues to grow with local companies making strategic acquisitions to expand their global reach and capabilities. These moves position them to compete with established players in the financial industry.
MoonPay Acquires Meso Network
MoonPay, a Miami-based digital asset firm, has acquired crypto payments startup Meso Network. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition is a strategic step to challenge companies like Circle and Visa in the global payments arena.
The integration of Meso Network will provide MoonPay with enhanced support for U.S. banking rails and a more robust developer platform. This allows other companies to more easily integrate MoonPay's products. The ultimate goal is to create a single, unified global payments network where users can seamlessly transact with both traditional fiat currencies, like dollars and euros, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
"This acquisition marks a turning point for MoonPay," stated Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO. "We’ve built trusted ramps that brought millions into crypto, now we’re building the global network that will move money across every form and in every market."
As part of the acquisition, Meso Network's co-founders will join the MoonPay team, bringing their expertise to the company's expanding operations.
Innovation in Space and Sustainability
South Florida companies are also making strides in high-tech sectors like space and climate technology, attracting attention from global giants and forming strategic alliances to push the boundaries of innovation.
Mission Space Partners with Star Catcher
Miami-based Mission Space has announced a strategic partnership with Star Catcher Industries to advance real-time space weather monitoring. The collaboration merges Mission Space's forecasting technologies with Star Catcher's innovative orbital power grid, known as the Star Catcher Network.
This network is designed to eliminate power constraints for satellites, enhancing their performance. Under the agreement, Mission Space will supply space weather data to support the network. In return, Star Catcher will deliver additional power to Mission Space's satellites through a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The partnership is expected to improve both the performance and resilience of satellites in orbit.
"This partnership ensures our constellation will not only perform better but also remain resilient under the most challenging conditions," said Mary Glazkova, CEO of Mission Space.
Blue Frontier Joins Amazon Accelerator
Boca Raton-based Blue Frontier has been selected to participate in the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The company, which has developed an air conditioning system that can reduce electrical consumption by up to 90%, was one of just 11 startups chosen from over 550 applications across the U.S. and Europe.
The four-week accelerator program is designed to fast-track the development of breakthrough climate technologies. Participants receive expert-led workshops, mentoring, and the opportunity to pilot their technology with Amazon's European operations. The program may also lead to a potential investment from Amazon.
"These founders are developing technologies that have real potential for implementation within our operations and could be truly transformative at scale," said Olivier Pellegrini, European director of sustainability operations at Amazon.
Media and Entertainment Ventures Expand
The intersection of technology, media, and sports is another area of growth in Miami, with startups leveraging celebrity partnerships to expand their audience reach.
Betr Media Teams Up with Ball Brothers
Betr, the Miami-based gaming and media startup, has announced a partnership with basketball players Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball. The brothers will bring their podcast to Betr Media, where it will be rebranded and launched this fall to coincide with the start of the NBA season.
The show is planned to release 40 episodes per year, each running over 45 minutes. It will feature a guest-driven format blending sports, pop culture, and music, offering authentic conversations about Lonzo's NBA career, LiAngelo's rap career, and sports predictions. Since its launch in August 2022, Betr Media has grown its social media presence to over 7.3 million followers and generated 4 billion impressions.
Regional Opportunities and Recognition
The growth of the South Florida tech ecosystem is further supported by numerous opportunities for startups to gain funding, mentorship, and visibility on a larger stage.
Local Startups at Venture Atlanta
Sixteen startups from Florida, with a majority from the South Florida region, have been selected to present at Venture Atlanta. This premier venture conference in the Southeast will take place on October 15-16. The local companies were chosen from a competitive pool of over 500 applicants and will be among 86 startups pitching to investors. According to the conference, its alumni companies have collectively raised over $8 billion in funding.
Pitch Competitions and Programs
Several organizations are offering platforms for founders to showcase their ideas:
- eMerge Americas: Hosting the ¡CELEBRAR! Pitch Competition for Hispanic/LatinX founders, with a $2,500 grant prize.
- GatorPitch Miami: A competition hosted by the University of Florida and Mana Tech.
- SXSW Pitch Showcase: Applications are open for the 2025 event, a major platform for startups seeking investment.
- Levan Center of Innovation: The 100 Startup Project Scholarship program is offering one-year memberships to ten selected startups.