This Week's Latest Tech News in Fort Lauderdale, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Fort Lauderdale Tech Week 2025 highlights the city’s dramatic transformation into a tech powerhouse, driven by both substantial investment and growing collaboration.

A $3 billion, 60-acre headquarters project led by Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay is set to open in 2026, creating over 1,000 six-figure jobs and featuring state-of-the-art production, retail, and office space on a redeveloped Superfund site (read more about Infinite Reality’s campus).

The city’s emphasis on tech extends beyond infrastructure - federal funding continues to flow to regional hubs, supporting innovation and hands-on skills training in areas like cybersecurity and web development (see Fort Lauderdale's economic impact).

Tech employment has grown by 27% this year, and local initiatives - such as career-aligned college programs and new events - are helping address the gap in entry-level talent.

As Mayor Dean Trantalis affirms, these efforts are transforming long-vacant land and unlocking new opportunities citywide (learn about the jobs impact).

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down these trends and their everyday significance for residents, businesses, and aspiring tech professionals.

The transformation of 1400 NW 31st Ave is set to reshape Fort Lauderdale’s technology landscape as Infinite Reality partners with Sterling Bay to turn a long-vacant Superfund site into a 60-acre tech and entertainment campus.

The $3 billion project - backed by an investment from Sterling Select, an affiliate of Sterling Equities - will be Infinite Reality’s global headquarters and expects to create more than 1,000 new jobs, primarily in technology, digital production, and support roles, with many offering six-figure salaries.

• Major tech hub: Transforming a Superfund site into a main technology campus represents a turning point for Fort Lauderdale's innovation landscape.
• Significant investment: Backed by a $3 billion partnership, the project will fuel economic growth through extensive funding and resource commitment.
• Job creation: More than 1,000 technology jobs are anticipated, with many six-figure salary opportunities for local professionals.
• Comprehensive facilities: The campus will feature 100,000+ square feet of office space, production studios, retail, and entertainment venues.
• Civic impact: Leaders such as James Gonzalez emphasize the economic revival and opportunity for urban renewal this redevelopment could create.
• Education and workforce: The initiative involves local education partners and training programs to prepare residents for tech careers.
• Construction timeline: Work is targeted to begin in early 2026 following permitting and design phases.
• City precedent: This marks the largest creative economy investment in Fort Lauderdale to date and sets a renewed standard for urban development that is both sustainable and inclusive.

Aspect	Key Detail	Future Impact
Investment	$3 billion by Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay	Drives innovation and creates jobs
Location	1400 NW 31st Ave, Fort Lauderdale	Revitalizes formerly vacant area
Job Creation	Over 1,000 roles in tech and support	Boosts local employment landscape

The repurposing of this former incinerator site, dormant for decades, sets a bold new trajectory for Fort Lauderdale's creative and tech economies.

As outlined in project updates, this redevelopment is intended to stimulate economic growth, revitalize the area’s cultural landscape, and set a precedent for sustainable urban renewal.

For further details about the headquarters project and its economic implications, check out resources from the official Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay announcement, a breakdown on regional job impacts in the South Florida Business Journal, and insight into the project's funding in this Digital Music News analysis of Infinite Reality’s $3B investment.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has named Angela Marinas as Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO), a move that underscores the city’s ongoing digital transformation and modernization efforts.

Marinas joined Fort Lauderdale in 2020 as Director of Enterprise Resource Planning, was promoted in 2023 to Chief Digital Officer and Assistant IT Director, and officially assumed the CIO role in April 2025.

Her track record includes retiring legacy systems, implementing the cloud-based Infor CloudSuite, and leading projects that leveraged AI, IoT, and machine learning to enhance municipal services such as a homeless outreach app.

Her appointment comes as Fort Lauderdale accelerates its smart city initiatives, amid broader tech sector growth that has seen $100 million invested in broadband infrastructure, a 40% increase in internet speeds, and deployment of over 1,000 smart city sensors optimizing traffic and energy use (read more about Marinas' background and vision).

City residents are interacting with more digital services, with tech job openings in the area up by 27% and a collaborative ecosystem forming through public and private partnerships (see Fort Lauderdale's tech industry report).

• Leadership Transition: Angela Marinas was promoted to Acting CIO, emphasizing digital modernization and smart city growth.
• Smart City Investment: Fort Lauderdale saw a $100 million infusion for broadband and rolled out 1,000+ smart sensors to improve services and data insights.
• Growing Tech Workforce: There’s been a 27% rise in tech jobs and more public/private partnerships creating a collaborative ecosystem.

Marinas succeeds Tamecka McKay, who consolidated outdated data centers, improved cybersecurity posture by 200%, and steered the city through significant crises, including maintaining financial operations during a record flood.

Marinas is expected to focus on cloud migration, expanding IoT-enabled public safety systems, and implementing smart digital government initiatives. The comparative table below highlights major milestones achieved by both leaders.

These strategic upgrades are supported by fresh federal funding for tech innovation and robust educational partnerships, ensuring Fort Lauderdale continues its trajectory as a tech-forward city.

To learn more about the expertise Marinas brings to the table, including over 25 years of experience in ERP and digital modernization, visit her official professional profile (Angela Marinas' experience).

Initiative	Pre-2025 (McKay)	2025+ (Marinas)
Smart Sensors Deployed	1,200+	+400 planned
Cybersecurity Incidents	-63% reduction / 200% posture improvement	Zero critical breaches (goal)
Cloud-Based Services	Core apps migrated, legacy retired	Full suite by Q4

Patricia Martin said, “We’re building a digitally inclusive Fort Lauderdale, using technology to deliver better outcomes for everyone.”

• Leadership Impact: Tamecka McKay focused on consolidating data centers and improving cybersecurity, enabling resilience through crises.
• Strategic Vision: Marinas is prioritizing cloud migration and IoT-enabled public safety to drive digital government forward.
• Community Growth: Federal funding and educational partnerships reinforce the city’s commitment to innovation and tech expansion.

To explore more about how her vision fits into Fort Lauderdale’s broader aspirations, you can review the latest updates on local tech advancement (Fort Lauderdale tech news).

Roamly's establishment of its new headquarters in Fort Lauderdale is making a notable impact on the city's growing fintech and specialty insurance industries.

Announced in April 2025, Roamly - a digital insurance platform specializing in RV, boat, and motorcycle coverage - selected Fort Lauderdale due to the area’s large recreational market and specialized workforce.

The new hub not only positions Roamly in one of the nation’s critical insurance markets but has also resulted in immediate hiring activity, with the company already recruiting claims specialists, customer success teams, and insurance product experts from the local talent pool.

According to recent announcements, eight employees have already joined from the area, and Roamly is investing in continued recruitment to develop agile, digitally native insurance products for Florida residents (source).

This strategic expansion has broader impacts:

• Increase in employment: Fort Lauderdale is quickly becoming a central hub for insurance technology jobs, as Roamly’s hiring focus spans from customer service to product innovation. The company’s growth supports the city’s annual 7.5% tech job growth and helps build a solid local talent pipeline (Fort Lauderdale tech growth).
• Expanded insurance offerings: Roamly has formed strategic partnerships with leading carriers like Progressive, American Modern, and Ahoy! Insurance, providing a broader range of insurance policies digitally tailored to recreational and travel lifestyles (partnership information).
• Support for tech innovation: The company leverages Fort Lauderdale’s specialized insurance workforce of over 300,000 professionals across Florida and collaborates with city and industry initiatives to maintain a steady influx of skilled workers.

Roamly’s integration into Fort Lauderdale also strengthens the city’s role as a fintech hub by bringing digital-first, AI-powered insurance solutions to a key tourism and recreation market.

As stated by company leadership, proximity to customers and industry partners was central to choosing this location. These efforts are expected to help fuel projected fintech sector growth and reinforce Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as a leading destination for both tech and specialty finance.

Metric	2024	2025 Projection
Fintech/Insurance Jobs	8,300	9,000+
Sector Growth Rate	7.2%	7.5%-8%
Fintech Sector Value	$1.8B	$2.1B

Pinnacle Live’s recent expansion into Fort Lauderdale is making an impact throughout the region, marked by new partnerships with Pier Sixty-Six and the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel.

With these collaborations, Pinnacle Live is introducing advanced event technology and personalized support designed to elevate both in-person and hybrid gatherings.

The company’s entry into the South Florida market is part of a nationwide strategy, with over 200 partnerships across hotels and resorts, and a commitment to giving venues autonomy and tailored tech solutions for each event.

As described by Pinnacle Live’s President Elizabeth Thomas, this approach means

“offering hoteliers unmatched options and personalization, ensuring memorable experiences for all guests”

according to their announcement. Industry research signals strong growth ahead: the global event management software market stands at $8.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to more than double by 2030, reflecting the region’s rising demand for immersive, tech-enhanced events as highlighted by South Florida Business Journal.

The partnerships with Pier Sixty-Six and Omni Fort Lauderdale directly boost the city’s profile, bringing cutting-edge features like integrated AR, 360° digital displays, and seamless streaming infrastructure.

For local businesses and job-seekers, this means new opportunities in AV engineering, project management, and live event support.

• Advanced technology is being introduced at venues, offering improved experiences and greater personalization for events.
• Industry growth reflects a rising demand for immersive, tech-driven gatherings in the Fort Lauderdale area.
• Opportunities open up for local professionals, including roles in AV engineering and project management.

With Pinnacle Live’s agile operational model, event planners and venue managers in Fort Lauderdale now have more flexibility and access to technology built for today’s needs as seen on Investors Hangout.

As the hospitality and event sectors continue to drive regional revenue, these innovations set Fort Lauderdale up as a leading destination for next-generation conferences, business meetings, and social gatherings.

Feature	Benefit	Impact
Integrated AR & 360° Displays	Immersive Event Experiences	Enhanced Engagement
Seamless Streaming Infrastructure	Hybrid & Virtual Options	Broader Reach for Events
Agile Operational Model	Flexibility for Planners	Better Adaptation to Client Needs

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has launched its Department of Biomedical Engineering in 2025, directly responding to the region’s growing need for skilled professionals in health technology.

This new department centers on three rapidly advancing fields - tissue engineering and biomaterials, biorobotics, and smart health and medical devices - offering students technical expertise and exposure to innovations at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and computer science.

The department integrates hands-on research, laboratory training, and cross-disciplinary partnerships, preparing students for roles that address real healthcare challenges.

Its curriculum emphasizes a combination of practical experience and theoretical grounding, qualifying graduates for roles such as biomedical software developer, biorobotics engineer, healthcare data scientist, and tissue engineering specialist.

• Cutting-edge curriculum: Students receive both practical experience and strong theoretical grounding, preparing them for varied roles in biomedical engineering.
• Advanced facilities: FAU provides state-of-the-art laboratories and innovative spaces for hands-on learning in tissue culture, robotics, and device prototyping.
• Industry partnerships: Strong collaborations with medical institutions, such as the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, offer research and internship opportunities.
• Accelerated degree option: The unique 4+1 program enables students to earn a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence within five years.
• Growing job outlook: The biomedical engineering job market is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, showcasing high demand for specialized professionals.

Main Initiative	Key Collaborators	Student Benefit
4+1 Biomedical & AI Degree	Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing	Accelerated dual degrees in key STEM fields
Advanced Lab Spaces	Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine	Hands-on research and development experience
Cross-disciplinary Partnerships	External Healthcare & Industry Partners	Internships and applied learning opportunities

The program is one of the first in the nation to offer a 4+1 path, where students can earn a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence in five years, addressing workforce demand for talent in AI-powered biomedical fields.

Projections show the biomedical engineering job market will grow 5% between 2022 and 2032, exceeding the average for many other occupations and reflecting sector demand for specialized talent.

To learn more about the department’s focus areas, program structure, and career outcomes, visit the official program page here.

Read about the department’s research collaborations and outlook here, and see how FAU’s new biomedical engineering initiative fits into a broader vision for interdisciplinary health tech innovation here.

Sterling Bay and Harvard Investment Group are partnering to redevelop a former Superfund site at 1400 NW 31st Ave in Fort Lauderdale, aiming to create a major technology and entertainment campus.

The 60-acre project, in partnership with Infinite Reality, is now backed by a $3 billion investment and will serve as Infinite Reality’s new global headquarters.

• Significant investment: This $3 billion project ensures robust support for transforming the former brownfield into a tech and entertainment hub.
• Modern campus: The development will feature over 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, production studios, retail amenities, and flexible areas for digital broadcasting and entertainment.
• Job creation: More than 1,000 new jobs are projected, with competitive six-figure salaries set to bolster Fort Lauderdale’s creative economy.
• Educational partnerships: Collaborations are planned to train local talent in STEM, immersive media, and creative production, strengthening workforce development in the area.
• Economic impact: Transforming dormant land, this redevelopment will attract businesses and enhance job opportunities, delivering lasting benefits to the local economy.
• Public-private alignment: The city will lease the land at $1 per year for 50 years, showcasing agreement on economic and community objectives between developers and city officials.
• Community focus: Plans include substantial green spaces and public parks to reclaim the site for community and environmental purposes.
• Regional innovation: This initiative positions Fort Lauderdale as a rising hub for technology, innovation, and the digital economy.

"Educational partnerships with local institutions will be crucial in equipping Fort Lauderdale’s workforce for emerging roles in technology and creative production," said Jessica Davis, a workforce development advisor.

Project Feature	Impact	Timeline/Details
Office Space	Home to Infinite Reality HQ, creative and media businesses	100,000+ sq ft; construction begins early 2026
Job Opportunities	Over 1,000 high-paying positions	Recruitment to commence post-permit approval
Public Spaces	Benefits local community with parks and green areas	Integral to site plan and city agreement

For more details on the collaboration and its features, check out the project announcement by Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay here, see the job creation and site specifics here, and review the redevelopment history and economic strategy here.

Fort Lauderdale continues to raise the bar for digital government services in 2025 by expanding its use of cloud technologies. The city’s latest IT modernization plan, led by the IT department, centers on migrating core operations - including financial management, supply chain, and human capital management - to Infor CloudSuite Public Sector.

This transition reduces reliance on aging on-premises infrastructure and ensures essential city services remain operational during events such as hurricanes or flooding.

Earlier this year, Acting CIO Karen Harris highlighted the impact of cloud migration - when City Hall experienced flooding in 2023, the cloud-based systems allowed staff to maintain business functions without interruption.

Emphasizing security, Fort Lauderdale is also focused on ongoing support and managed services for its Infor CloudSuite applications, seeking qualified partners to provide technical expertise and ensure smooth operation across departments like finance, procurement, and benefits administration.

You can read more about this initiative on the city’s Infor CloudSuite managed services announcement.

These technology upgrades have proven especially valuable for disaster preparedness; city officials report a 60% reduction in emergency operations downtime since adopting cloud workflows.

Along with upgraded cybersecurity protocols - such as multi-factor authentication, ongoing staff training, and real-time monitoring - the city has improved its ability to block cyber intrusion attempts and resolve service requests faster.

Fort Lauderdale’s IT strategy is outlined in a three-year plan, with a strong focus on transparency and collaboration between technical and business teams. This modernization not only supports remote work for city staff but also enhances resident access to digital services, leading to quicker permit processing and streamlined communication during crises.

For a deeper dive, visit the Q&A about Fort Lauderdale’s technology transformation at StateTech Magazine.

With $27 million allocated to IT in the city’s 2025 budget and continued attention to cybersecurity, Fort Lauderdale is positioning itself as a leader in digital public services - details on program funding and ongoing projects can be found on the city's latest news updates.

The South Florida event tech market is experiencing significant momentum in 2025 as major companies expand and the region gains recognition as a preferred site for large-scale conferences and meetings.

Pinnacle Live, a Chicago-based event technology firm, has forged new partnerships with venues like JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, and Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, bringing its event production services and hybrid capabilities to the area.

These collaborations introduce advanced audiovisual setups, staging, streaming, and content creation services, underscoring the industry’s pivot toward high-tech, flexible event formats.

Analysts project that the global event management software market - currently valued at $15.5 billion - will grow to $34.7 billion by 2029, with automation and AI streamlining everything from attendee registration to post-event analytics, fueling growth and scalability for both established venues and local businesses.

South Florida’s event industry growth is also shaped by a surge in demand for smarter in-person experiences; for example, in-person meetings have risen by 12% and 41% of event professionals in 2025 report hosting more events, with a focus on personalizing attendee experiences through technology and real-time data integration.

This aligns with broader trends, as more than half of event organizers cite proving ROI and boosting attendee engagement as top priorities, something the latest platforms and tools are addressing head-on.

A snapshot of Fort Lauderdale’s event technology market outlook reveals:

• Year-over-year growth: The region achieved a 28% increase in new tech-enabled event bookings, showing rising demand for advanced venue capabilities (Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2024).
• Trillion-dollar potential: The global events industry could reach $2.5 trillion by 2035, highlighting both market opportunity and economic impact for Fort Lauderdale (Pinnacle Live expands to South Florida).
• Job market boom: Event tech job postings have increased by 21% across Broward County since Q3 2024, emphasizing growing career paths in this industry.

Top Fort Lauderdale Venues	Event Tech Upgrades (2025)	Contact Lead
Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center	5G connectivity, AI registration, mixed reality stages	Jessica Williams
Pier Sixty-Six	Hybrid-event studios, interactive LED walls	Nancy Johnson
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel	Cloud AV, automated translation, touchless check-in	Elizabeth Brown

Alongside new venue upgrades, industry research shows that automation, AI, and integration with CRM and marketing platforms are increasingly important to organizers aiming for data-driven, scalable event experiences (event management software market growth).

Furthermore, more than 41% of event professionals plan to increase event frequency, especially micro-events, and 44% say AI is the biggest event trend this year (event planning and technology statistics).

As Fort Lauderdale’s venues and professionals adopt these advancements, the region continues to set a competitive pace for the events industry nationwide.

Broward County’s ongoing efforts to build a strong tech workforce in 2025 are advanced by a combination of private-sector investment, academic partnerships, and focused community initiatives.

The region’s talent pipeline is being shaped in part by Infinite Reality’s new 60-acre technology and entertainment campus in partnership with Sterling Bay, set to open in Fort Lauderdale by 2026 and expected to create over 1,000 high-paying jobs in digital media, production, and immersive technology.

This campus is also spurring educational outreach: Infinite Reality is collaborating with local institutions to deliver specialized STEM and creative tech training, bridging students and adult learners with real-world opportunities (read more about the Infinite Reality campus).

• Investment and Partnership: Broward County’s tech sector is fueled by private investment and strategic partnerships between companies like Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay, according to Nancy Rodriguez.
• Educational Outreach: Collaboration with local institutions introduces specialized STEM programs and creative tech training that connect learners with tangible, real-world opportunities.
• Academic Initiatives: Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has launched the Workforce Innovations Network (WIN) to better align education with current industry needs through new microcredential programs and mentorships (learn about the WIN initiative).
• Skills Development: Listening sessions led by FAU emphasize a demand for not only technical skills but also for transferable skills and accessible, flexible training for all, states James Anderson.
• Economic Revitalization: The Infinite Reality campus is driving substantial job creation and is expected to catalyze economic opportunity throughout Fort Lauderdale (see projections for new tech jobs).

By connecting these private and public efforts, Broward County is taking concrete steps to ensure that its tech workforce development not only keeps up with employer demands but also helps shape a sustainable, inclusive future for all residents.

Fort Lauderdale’s tech scene is thriving in April 2025, with both homegrown startups and established innovators shaping the region’s future. This week’s highlights reflect a community where digital solutions and investment are meeting real-world needs.

Notably, alongside locally born names like Blue Reef Robotics and HealthSpire, the area’s profile is strengthened by companies such as Depositphotos, EnergyX, and Boatsetter, which rank among the top startups in Fort Lauderdale according to market data on investment, employee growth, and web traffic.

In particular, EnergyX is making waves with clean lithium extraction technology, while Boatsetter’s boat rental platform continues to connect owners with water enthusiasts, spotlighting local talent and industry diversity (see the top startups list).

"Fort Lauderdale’s rapid evolution into a tech hub wouldn’t be possible without the combined efforts of local entrepreneurs and supportive policy from leaders like Sarah Rodriguez," said William Martin, tech analyst at South Florida Innovators.

• Innovative local startups are driving Fort Lauderdale's reputation, with companies like Blue Reef Robotics, HealthSpire, Depositphotos, EnergyX, and Boatsetter at the forefront of growth and innovation.
• A diverse sector focus is facilitating broad-based economic resilience; emerging fields include fintech, healthtech, smart cities, and advanced cybersecurity solutions via companies such as ByteGuard Solutions.
• Telehealth and digital health represent a surging segment, with HealthSpire’s app reflecting how over 26,000 tech companies contribute $2.5 billion and robust job growth to the local economy. Learn more at this local tech news source.
• Key drivers for growth include local funding, annual events like TECHSUPERSHOW, infrastructure projects, and university partnerships that nurture startup formation and expansion.
• Mobile app development is gaining momentum, with Fort Lauderdale-based agencies excelling in healthcare, e-commerce, and logistics thanks to a skilled developer pool and business-friendly climate - you can explore leading mobile app development companies here.

Startup	Sector	Notable Achievement
Blue Reef Robotics	Marine Tech	Advanced underwater drones
HealthSpire	Digital Health	Community-focused telehealth app
EnergyX	Clean Energy	Innovative lithium extraction
Boatsetter	Marketplace	P2P boat rental platform
ByteGuard Solutions	Cybersecurity	Hotels & hospitality tech protection

Taken together, these developments paint a picture of a city not just reacting to tech trends but helping define them for the region and beyond.

As Fort Lauderdale closes out an eventful April 2025, the city further cements its place as a leading Florida tech hub, powered by new investments and an expanding workforce.

The highlight this week is Infinite Reality’s $3 billion partnership with Sterling Bay to build a 60-acre immersive technology campus, designed to bring around 1,000 jobs and create a collaborative ecosystem for tech and creative roles, while also redeveloping a former Superfund site for lasting community impact (read more here).

Meanwhile, the local tech economy continues to surge, with over 26,000 active tech companies contributing $2.5 billion to the regional economy, and a 27% increase in tech job openings reported this year.

These developments are paralleled by major infrastructure improvements, like a $100 million broadband upgrade that has boosted internet speeds by 40%, positioning the city as a magnet for new startups, established employers, and national conferences alike (get the full economic snapshot here).

• $4 billion+ in investments highlight Fort Lauderdale’s rise as a tech hotspot since January.
• Fort Lauderdale’s tech sector is projected to see 32% job growth by 2028, marking significant employment expansion.
• Average tech salary of $123,353 reflects robust demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity skills.

Development	Estimated Jobs	Investment
Infinite Reality Campus	1,000	$3B
Co-working Expansions	250+	$75M
Tech Infrastructure	Variable	$100M+

“Fort Lauderdale’s transformation into a technology epicenter is a direct result of our determination to embrace innovation and nurture talent,” says Joseph Lee, a leading tech recruiter in the area.

The push for innovation is visible on multiple fronts - community events like the annual TECHSUPERSHOW, advancements in smart city infrastructure, and university collaborations that connect students with tech employers.

Fort Lauderdale’s focused approach to digital transformation, infrastructure spending, and workforce development is attracting both local talent and industry giants.

For more about ongoing projects and city-wide upgrades, you can explore recent city announcements here.

The coming months look bright, as Fort Lauderdale’s “Tech Frontier” era ushers in opportunity and growth for residents and newcomers alike.