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

Orlando’s tech sector is gaining significant momentum in 2025, cementing the city’s role as a dynamic tech hub in the Southeast. The local tech workforce has reached 74,000 professionals, and projections show a 27% increase in tech jobs by 2030 - one of the fastest growth rates in the country.

Startups aren’t just thriving; recent events like the Southeast Tech Innovators Conference drew over 2,000 attendees, and more than 150 local startups joined the 2025 Innovation Challenge, where 60% reported new funding opportunities and 75% established fresh partnerships (learn more about Orlando's tech ecosystem).

Education plays a crucial role, with the University of Central Florida hiring 36 new engineering and computer science faculty to advance AI and digital twin technologies in collaboration with industry partners like Siemens (Orlando tech employment details).

Major tech-driven milestones, such as the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe, are injecting advanced AR/VR and entertainment innovation throughout the region.

All of this contributes to Orlando’s $43 billion tech economy, but there are ongoing challenges in upskilling local talent and expanding digital equity (fastest-growing tech hubs for IT talent).

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down these drivers of growth, spotlight major events, and explore how Orlando is shaping its future through innovation and collaboration.

Orlando has secured the #1 ranking on WalletHub’s 2025 Best Large Cities to Start a Business list, reinforcing its reputation as a strong destination for entrepreneurs in the U.S. WalletHub’s latest study analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities using 19 key metrics - such as startup survival rates, investor prevalence, and business costs - and found that Orlando’s startup environment is especially favorable.

• Robust startup environment: Orlando’s startup ecosystem boasts a rapid pace of small business growth and a high number of investors per capita, providing an environment where new ventures can succeed.
• Large talent pool: A significant increase in working-age residents ensures that businesses have access to a reliable and diverse talent pool.
• Business confidence: A recent regional survey by Elizabeth Davis indicates that 76% of local Orlando businesses remain confident in their performance, even amidst national economic uncertainties.

A recent regional survey shows that 76% of local Orlando businesses remain confident in their own performance despite broader national uncertainty, with 64% reporting increased revenue and a strong emphasis on talent strategies to power through 2025.

Orlando’s appeal to new ventures is further supported by low corporate taxes and ongoing investments in cost efficiency and innovation. This business-friendly climate is echoed in recent findings highlighting Orlando's strong small business survival rates and its supportive ecosystem for both technology startups and service-based businesses.

Key Factor	Description	Impact on Business
Corporate Taxes	Lower than national average	Increases affordability for startups
Business Environment Ranking	1st among large U.S. cities	Attracts entrepreneurs and investors
Talent Growth	Expanding talent pipeline	Ensures sustainable growth

This business-friendly climate is echoed in recent findings highlighting Orlando's strong small business survival rates and its supportive ecosystem for both technology startups and service-based businesses.

"Affordable living, an expanding talent pipeline, and a resilient business community are helping Orlando attract both new startups and established firms, marking it as a standout location for business growth in 2025.” - Jennifer Lee

For more insights, see the full city rankings and methodology at WalletHub’s Best Large Cities to Start a Business, explore additional business sentiment research at the Orlando Economic Partnership, and view how Orlando’s strengths compare to other top cities in the 2025 startup city report.

Orlando is seeing a major shift in its digital landscape as Hotwire Communications launches a $50 million fiber-optic investment across the city in 2025.

This expansion focuses on building out fiber infrastructure to serve homeowners’ associations, master-planned communities, and area businesses, strengthening local operations by employing Orlando-based teams who provide on-site support several days a week.

According to Hotwire, this project will add 60 new local jobs to support the rollout and customer service, with the potential for additional roles as the network grows, fostering economic development in Central Florida.

The company is targeting neighborhoods and high-density residential areas, reflecting national market trends where a reported 56% of U.S. households still lack fiber-optic internet access.

Hotwire's Fision Fiber network will provide high-speed connections that support needs like video conferencing, e-learning, remote healthcare, and small business operations, meeting demand for low-latency and large data transfers in both residential and business sectors.

The project begins with service to Baldwin Park residents and several apartment communities, with plans to expand further within Orange, Osceola, and neighboring counties.

Hotwire’s investment also aligns with trends in the industry, as the company becomes a potential acquisition target for larger telecoms seeking to build out their fiber footprint in competitive urban markets.

For more details on Hotwire’s Orlando expansion and its region-wide impact, you can read official announcements about the project’s job creation and local focus at Orlando Business Journal, explore reports on Hotwire’s leadership and economic strategy at Philanthropy News Digest, and learn how the company’s growth fits into the broader national fiber market at Light Reading.

Enhanced fiber access is expected to help bridge Orlando’s digital divide, making reliable high-speed internet a standard tool for work, education, and innovation across the city.

• Investment impact: Hotwire's $50 million investment aims to accelerate Orlando’s technological growth by expanding high-speed fiber infrastructure.
• Local job creation: The project brings 60 new jobs to Orlando, supporting economic development and providing opportunities for residents like Nancy Rodriguez.
• Community focus: Initial rollout targets neighborhoods, such as Baldwin Park and apartment communities, ensuring widespread coverage.
• Future expansion potential: Plans exist to expand fiber services throughout Orange, Osceola, and surrounding counties, increasing regional connectivity.
• National relevance: The expansion aligns with industry trends, positioning Hotwire as a valuable player in urban fiber networks and potential acquisition target.

Factor	Description	Impact on Orlando
Infrastructure Investment	$50 million devoted to fiber expansion	Boosts local internet capabilities and competitiveness
Job Creation	60 new roles for residents (Thomas Williams)	Supports local employment growth
Service Coverage	Focus on neighborhoods and businesses	Reduces digital divide citywide

"The enhanced fiber connections mark a pivotal moment for Orlando’s education, healthcare, and innovation sectors, leveling the playing field for all communities." – Nancy White

Orlando’s rapid population growth and environmental challenges are being addressed head-on with the major expansion of the Eastern Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF), recently awarded to Tetra Tech.

This project, in partnership with Orange County Utilities (OCU), aims to improve the region’s capacity to manage increasing wastewater flows across a 451-square-mile area near Orlando.

The expansion will use advanced wastewater treatment technologies and increase treatment capacity to help accommodate new residents and sustained urban development while enhancing operational efficiency and energy use.

Tetra Tech’s engineers are tasked with advanced modeling and process optimization for better treatment and resilience, continuing a cooperation that has supported Orange County Utilities for nearly 20 years.

The project also strives for energy efficiency and sustainable water resource management, reinforcing the facility’s function in providing reclaimed water for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and park maintenance.

Key sustainability features include:

• Advanced nutrient removal: Nutrient removal is prioritized as the enhancements will further reduce nitrogen and phosphorus, thus protecting local waterways and ecosystems in line with Tetra Tech’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Expanded reclaimed water service: Reclaimed water expansion supports conservation and meets community needs by significantly increasing reclaimed water delivery, as described in the official press release.
• Operational and energy upgrades: Operational upgrades include improved energy efficiency and advanced system monitoring, helping to future-proof the facility and enhance resiliency, as highlighted in this market report.

Track Record Table – Tetra Tech & Orange County Utilities:

Year	Project	Impact
2014	Water Reuse Initiative	20% potable water savings
2019	Reuse Expansion Phase 2	10,000+ new service connections
2025	EWRF Major Expansion	Increased treatment, enhanced efficiency and resilience

“This expansion ensures our region can meet growth demands while protecting our natural resources,” states OCU Director Karen Williams.

Through this collaboration, Tetra Tech and OCU are strengthening Orlando’s infrastructure to support sustainable growth while prioritizing clean water and environmental health.

The Orlando Magic’s 2025 Venture Challenge is making waves in Central Florida’s startup ecosystem, distributing up to $750,000 in investment funding to innovative early-stage companies focused on sports, health, and wellness.

Powered by a partnership with LEAD Venture Corporation and the DeVos family, the challenge selected five to six companies to pitch their solutions during a "Shark Tank"-style event at the Kia Center, where each could secure between $50,000 and $200,000 in funding, along with the chance for commercial relationships with the Magic and mentorship from industry experts.

• Venture Challenge Funding: The Magic offer substantial investment capital for breakthrough sports-related startups.
• Pitch Event: Selected companies present their ideas in a high-stakes, live event at the Kia Center.
• Mentorship Opportunity: Winners receive industry mentorship and potential business growth partnerships.
• Target Startups: Companies with products leveraging data analytics or advanced fan engagement are encouraged.
• Support History: The initiative continues the Magic’s tradition of driving tech innovation in Orlando.

The final round included a diverse group of recipients, such as firms creating real-time athlete analytics, remote diagnostic tools, and personalized media experiences.

Interested founders submitted their pitch decks between January and March, with winners joining a growing list of transformative ventures supported by the region.

The Magic emphasized that this program is part of a broader effort to drive innovation, following the launch of the NBA’s first design-thinking-based innovation lab back in 2014 and their recent expansion with LEAD’s direct investment vehicle, LEAD ONE.

As other organizations like the Twins and Dodgers run their own accelerator programs, the Magic are doubling down on their commitment to building Orlando as a leader in sports tech and health innovation.

Key Initiative	Primary Focus	Notable Partner
Orlando Magic Venture Challenge	Sports and health tech startups	LEAD Venture Corporation, DeVos Family
Twins Accelerator	Fan experience solutions	SportsTech Partners
Dodgers Accelerator	Performance analytics	R/GA Ventures

To learn more about the challenge and its impact, you can explore details on the official Orlando Magic Venture Challenge partnership, a breakdown of how the event boosts the startup landscape at Sports Business Journal, or review eligibility and investor insights at LEAD Venture Corporation’s announcement.

Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park is set to open its doors on May 22, 2025, representing one of Orlando’s most significant entertainment and technology developments in decades.

The park covers 750 acres and will feature five uniquely themed worlds: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.

These areas are connected through a hub-and-spoke design centered on Celestial Park, making navigation intuitive and allowing guests to explore at their own pace.

• Innovative rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge use AR goggles and the “How to Train Your Dragon” area mixes motion simulation and next-gen animatronics for engaging experiences.
• Facial recognition systems provide streamlined guest entry, locker access, and express lanes, enhancing both security and convenience across the park, as detailed by The New York Times.
• More than 50 rides, shows, and experiences await, with highlights including the Stardust Racers rollercoaster in Celestial Park and immersive animatronic encounters in Dark Universe, according to Blooloop’s ride overview.
• Economic impact will be felt nationwide, with over 17,500 new jobs and up to $2 billion generated for Florida in its first year, as reported by CNBC.

"Universal’s tech-forward approach promises to have a lasting impact on local jobs, tourism, and the region’s broader economic landscape," says Elizabeth Miller, a leading Orlando technology analyst.

Epic Universe Feature	Key Technology	Projected Impact
Super Nintendo World	Augmented Reality (AR)	Enhanced Guest Engagement
Facial Recognition Entry	Biometric Security	Faster Park Access
Stardust Racers Coaster	Dual-Launch Tech	Unique Thrill Experience

Orlando’s tech community marked a major moment this week as the University of Central Florida (UCF) hosted its largest-ever commencement ceremonies, awarding more than 9,000 degrees this spring - a historic first for the institution.

The events spanned May 2-4, featuring prominent leaders and speakers, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s chancellor and other figures from Central Florida.

Over a quarter of UCF’s 2025 graduates were the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s, and a significant number received their degrees in high-demand STEM fields.

UCF continues to play a pivotal role in meeting Central Florida’s workforce needs, with more than 90% of its undergraduates hailing from Florida and a strong focus on technology disciplines that feed directly into the region’s leading employers, such as Lockheed Martin and AdventHealth.

This year, the university has also responded to surging interest in STEM by investing in new faculty hires and support, aligning with Orlando's standing as a rapidly growing tech hub (source: UCF Spring Commencement).

• Neurodiversity support was underscored as Beacon College built its reputation for supporting neurodiverse learners, celebrating its largest graduating class yet with over 250 degrees. The college has strengthened its industry partnerships, connecting graduates to hands-on experience at companies like Addition Financial Tech and the AdventHealth Innovations Lab.
• Community celebration was highlighted when UCF hosted a “Grad Walk” event at Addition Financial Arena, where graduates could share their achievement with up to ten guests - emphasizing the university’s strong community focus (source: UCF Grad Walk details).

In addition, UCF’s momentum in STEM education has resulted in increased recognition for student achievement and research opportunities, with recent graduates taking on roles in sectors such as defense, software, and engineering (source: UCF STEM Achievements).

As Dr. Patricia Jones, UCF Provost, put it, “Orlando’s innovation economy thrives when new graduates bring skills, curiosity, and diverse perspectives to our workforce.”

This season’s accomplishments reinforce Orlando’s position as a fertile ground for the next generation of tech and STEM talent.

Orlando residents and students are seeing how local tech upgrades can make day-to-day routines smoother, especially with the News 6 Weather App and Rollins College’s embrace of digital services.

The News 6 Weather App launched a major update this spring for both iOS and Android, letting users add up to nine different widgets anywhere on their phone for immediate access to hyperlocal forecasts, live radar, and weather alerts.

The app now provides detailed 48-hour and 10-day forecasts by location and delivers notifications for severe weather, including tornado likelihood rankings, helping keep families safer in Florida’s unpredictable climate.

With widgets, iOS and Android users can see radar or forecast data at a glance, tap to open the full app, and move widgets freely - key improvements highlighted in News 6’s recent feature overview (see widget details and download instructions).

Unlike generic weather apps, the News 6 app is updated several times daily by meteorologists, ensuring reliability and real-time radar access. Apple device users can download the app for free and explore features, including livestreams and community weather photos, through the official App Store page.

Meanwhile, Android owners can also take advantage of customizable widgets, real-time radar, and notification controls as described on Google Play.

Rollins College continues its focus on student wellbeing and convenience with a campus dining revamp featuring RFID meal passes, real-time table tracking, and mobile ordering.

Recent campus surveys show students have shorter cafeteria waits and improved satisfaction, while mobile deals and allergy alerts help keep dining easy and safe.

Contactless payments via smartphones or NFC are now standard, making the dining experience both quick and flexible.

Benefits at a glance:

• Widespread adoption: Widget-based weather notifications serve 250,000 app users in Orlando, giving residents faster and easier access to weather updates.
• Efficiency improvement: Lines are cut by 40% and dietary safety enhanced for 3,000+ Rollins students, making campus dining more efficient and secure.
• Health focus: Healthier meal choices are promoted with live nutrition info and allergy alerts, boosting student wellness and informed eating.

Feature	News 6 App	Rollins Dining
Real-time Updates	Yes	Yes
Mobile Integration	iOS, Android, Widgets	iOS, Android, RFID/NFC
Personalized Experience	Hyperlocal alerts, widgets	Nutrition/preferences
Safety & Wellness	Live forecasts, alerts	Allergy warnings, fast-pay

AI’s effect on Orlando’s job landscape is unmistakable in 2025, with a growing number of tech firms actively restructuring teams in response to automation. Recent research notes that while layoffs are occurring - especially in positions most vulnerable to automation - opportunities are emerging in fields such as AI development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.

In fact, Orlando’s demand for these skills reflects larger workforce shifts seen nationwide. Skills in cloud computing, full-stack development, and AI governance now top employer wish lists, and languages like Python and SQL are frequently listed in job postings.

A World Economic Forum report echoes these changes, estimating that AI could displace around 75 million jobs globally, but create about 133 million, resulting in a net gain if workers are properly reskilled (AI impact estimates).

However, this rapid shift creates anxiety: surveys indicate that 66% of workers expect higher unemployment due to AI, and fears of “quiet replacement” now extend across recruiting, healthcare, and customer service sectors (anxiety over AI layoffs).

Even so, a recent Beautiful.ai survey shows a shift in management perspectives - 54% of managers now view AI as a complement, not a replacement for employees, and only 23% believe mass layoffs are financially beneficial (managers shift toward upskilling).

Orlando’s response is visible at the local level: UCF and tech bootcamps have expanded their AI and cybersecurity offerings, and tech meetups now emphasize both technical and adaptive skills.

For job seekers, focus areas include Python or TensorFlow, cybersecurity expertise, data visualization, and above all, adaptability - traits that Orlando’s growing tech community continues to prioritize for a workforce that’s both resilient and future-focused.

• Job restructuring by Orlando tech firms is spurred on by automation and affects the city's career landscape.
• Emerging opportunities arise in AI development, cybersecurity, and data analysis despite ongoing layoffs.
• A skills shift means cloud computing, full-stack development, and AI governance are now core job requirements.
• New programming languages such as Python and SQL are becoming essential in local tech job postings.
• Research suggests AI could displace millions but also create more jobs globally if workers adapt and reskill.
• Workforce anxiety is increasing, with a majority worried about unemployment and "quiet replacement."
• Management is pivoting to viewing AI as a companion for workers rather than a replacement.
• Education expansion at UCF and tech bootcamps is helping locals acquire relevant, in-demand skills.
• Key focus areas for job seekers now include technical skills like Python, TensorFlow, cybersecurity, and adaptability.

Category	Key Development	Impact in Orlando
AI & Automation	Restructuring & Layoffs	Job roles evolving and shifting skills needed
Upskilling	Education & Training	UCF, tech bootcamps, and meetups expand offerings
Management Attitudes	AI Complementarity	Future job security depends on adaptability

"Adaptability is crucial; Orlando’s tech community is focusing not just on technical skills, but on building a workforce that can face unpredictable changes and thrive," said William Jackson.

Orlando’s position as a tech innovation hub was underscored this week as the city hosted influential gatherings like the Lake Nona Impact Forum 2025 and prepared for the upcoming MSP Summit 2025.

The Lake Nona Impact Forum welcomed more than 700 top leaders - CEOs, healthcare innovators, policy experts, and notable speakers such as former President George W. Bush, Oracle’s Safra Catz, and Mark Cuban - for discussions around the future of medicine, technology, and wellness.

• AI in Healthcare: Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare innovation, playing a critical role in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
• Gene Editing: Recent breakthroughs in gene editing highlight Orlando's commitment to cutting-edge medical research and personalized medicine.
• Medical City Collaboration: Lake Nona’s "Medical City" unites universities, hospitals, and research institutions, creating an ecosystem for global innovation in health.
• Health Equity & Longevity: Focused sessions tackled health equity and longevity through smart infrastructure, wearable tech, and digital health access.
• Pilot Programs: Fortune 100 companies and thought leaders pilot AI-powered healthcare projects, solidifying Lake Nona as a living lab for diagnostics and precision medicine.

Recent highlights ranged from breakout sessions on AI and space medicine to announcements addressing health equity and longevity research, emphasizing areas such as smart infrastructure, wearable technology, and digital health access.

The gathering also amplified Lake Nona’s growing role as a living lab for pilot programs, including AI-powered healthcare and precision diagnostics, helping attract Fortune 100 companies and thought leaders from across the country (Lake Nona Impact Forum event overview).

Main Event	Notable Attendees	Discussion Themes
Lake Nona Impact Forum	Charles Hernandez, Mark Cuban, Safra Catz	AI, Gene Editing, Wellness
MSP Summit 2025	Sarah Hernandez, John Moore	Cybersecurity, Managed Services, Collaboration

"Lake Nona’s innovation ecosystem is positioning Orlando as a national leader in health, technology, and economic development."

In addition to measurable local investments, the forum’s influence supports regional jobs and economic development, with new partnerships between UCF and organizations like Johnson & Johnson spotlighting Orlando’s emergence as a national innovation corridor (deep dive into Lake Nona's tech scene).

As excitement builds for the MSP Summit 2025 (May 5–7 at Orange County Convention Center), which is set to draw over 2,000 managed services providers, cybersecurity professionals, and software vendors, Orlando is expected to experience continued momentum in tech-driven collaboration and opportunity - fueling both immediate regional impact and long-term national relevance (local coverage on the forum's significance).

Orlando’s tech scene is expanding in new directions thanks to a wave of immersive technologies and active community growth. A highlight this week is OPIC Technologies, which introduced its spatial livestreaming platform to help people experience Orlando events with greater realism.

Unlike traditional video, OPIC’s technology preserves depth, perspective, and movement, making remote viewers feel present at cultural festivals, esports tournaments, or educational exhibits.

This innovation stands out by enabling features like sharing real-time experiences with emotional presence, multi-angle control, and richer interactivity, providing a more authentic digital connection.

OPIC’s platform is being adopted by events such as Orlando Tech Week, local museums, and even live concerts, offering audiences a shared space rather than a flat screen view.

Fans of music and sports are especially benefiting from this tech, as it brings the venue atmosphere and on-field dynamics to those watching from afar - details you can learn more about in OPIC’s recent announcement on spatial livestreaming for families and friends, their advancements in live music experiences, and its use for immersive sports viewing.

In hospitality, Universal Orlando has launched two hotels - Starlight Suites and Epic Gateway Resort - that feature smart room controls, contactless check-in, and in-room VR sneak peeks of the new Epic Universe attractions.

Universal reports that these technology upgrades have boosted guest satisfaction by more than 18% year-over-year. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Starlight Suites	Epic Gateway Resort
Smart Rooms
Contactless Check-in
VR Experiences

Supporting these advances is a strong local workforce, with employers like Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, and L3Harris Technologies leading hiring and diversity outreach.

Tech startups now number over 4,000 in the Orlando metro area, and women-led tech meetups have grown by 27% in the last year. Combined with a growing ecosystem of coworking spaces and hackathons, these developments show that Orlando’s tech community is thriving and inclusive.

Orlando’s momentum as a Southern tech powerhouse is more than headline-deep - it’s visible in the city’s workforce numbers, rapid population growth, and multifaceted investments.

The tech employment sector alone has grown to 74,000 jobs, contributing $43 billion to the local economy, roughly 16% of Orlando’s economic output, while sustaining a strong 2.8% annual job growth rate, second nationally among major metro areas see tech salaries and roles.

Orlando is routinely recognized among the nation’s fastest-growing cities, adding around 76,000 new residents in 2024 alone - an influx driven by international and domestic migration, pushing the metro area close to three million people and making it the 20th largest in the U.S. detailed growth data.

Key Drivers of Orlando’s Tech Growth:

• Diverse Education and Talent: Orlando benefits from a robust education pipeline, anchored by UCF - the nation’s largest university by enrollment - and a focus on STEM and tech training in K-12 and college programs, while tech companies actively seek and develop both homegrown and relocated talent. Read about Orlando’s tech ecosystem
• Startup and Industry Expansion: Fast-growing sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and software development attract both major employers and entrepreneurial ventures, supported by active investment and community initiatives.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: City programs like Green Works Orlando focus on sustainable growth, zero waste targets, and smart infrastructure, aiming to balance new development with environmental commitment.

Looking Forward:

1. Tech roles in demand: Cloud architects, cybersecurity engineers, and AI specialists remain in high demand, with competitive salaries continuing to attract skilled professionals to Orlando.
2. Growing investment needs: Population growth and job gains necessitate greater investment in transit, housing, and digital accessibility.
3. Inclusive tech-driven future: Orlando’s collaborative spirit and commitment to inclusivity are shaping a tech-driven, opportunity-rich future for all.

"Orlando’s story is one of balanced progress - where tech industry growth, talent development, and urban sustainability form the core of its rising profile. The weeks and years ahead will determine how effectively these strengths are harnessed for the benefit of both current residents and newcomers." - Michael Jones

Main Area	Recent Highlight	Key Figure
Tech Employment	74,000 jobs / 2.8% annual growth	Barbara Thomas
Population Growth	76,000 new residents (2024)	David Davis
Sustainability Initiatives	Zero waste, smart infrastructure	Michael Jones