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

This week marked a truly transformational period for tech innovation in Tampa, with the city’s startup ecosystem continuing to surge. In 2025, Tampa Bay Wave announced the selection of 15 high-growth companies for its Tech|X Accelerator, underscoring the area’s commitment to supporting new ventures in healthcare, fintech, AI, and cybersecurity - sectors where Tampa is rapidly gaining national attention.

According to recent funding reports, local startups secured over $203 million so far this year, fueling growth and placing Tampa in the top 35 emerging global tech hubs as ranked by Startup Genome source.

Incubators like Tampa Bay Wave and the Tampa Bay Innovation Center are playing a vital role, offering intensive programs such as the IdeaSprint Bootcamp for early-stage founders event info.

On the city’s infrastructure front, Tampa is actively investing in smart city technologies and digital connectivity, supporting both established companies and diverse startups.

The region’s collaborative culture - where organizations, government, and industry partners unite - continues to drive advances in climate tech, cybersecurity, and digital health.

With initiatives like the HealthTech Accelerator now open globally learn more, Tampa’s tech community is poised for even greater growth and impact in the year ahead.

Entropy Technology Design, based in Tampa, has been advancing threat detection technology by developing proprietary sensor and AI systems that recognize both natural and man-made threats.

Founded by Robert Lopez, the company’s origins are in weather detection using very low frequency (VLF) magnetic-field sensors, but it pivoted after discovering these sensors could also detect drone activity previously dismissed as “noise.” Entropy now provides hardware, software, and AI models that help track, detect, and even disable drones and monitor critical infrastructure.

Like many defense tech startups, Entropy has had to navigate the challenging “valley of death” - the gap between successful prototyping and actual government contract funding, a common obstacle due to delays and uncertainty in federal procurement cycles and shrinking defense grants in Florida.

During a recent period of government budget freezes, Entropy responded by broadening its focus beyond the Department of Defense, moving toward commercial markets including ports, stadiums, and smart city infrastructure, where rapid threat detection is increasingly vital.

Recent demonstrations and field tests with military branches, such as the Navy and U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, have showcased Entropy’s passive VLF magnetic-field drone detection system, which has gained recognition but faces a slower path to full federal deployment.

The company’s NIMBUS™ technology, now patent-protected, underpins solutions for sectors ranging from severe weather warning to drone threat detection and infrastructure monitoring.

As Entropy scales its commercial partnerships and continues to interact with government agencies, its story mirrors Tampa’s reputation for adaptability and steady innovation.

You can learn more about Entropy’s journey and their ongoing research and field testing through recent media coverage and updates from their CEO here, details about NIMBUS™ technology on their website, and recent field tests and patent milestones via their news portal.

Tampa’s ongoing efforts toward cleaner water took a notable turn this week as LG Sonic’s solar-powered ultrasonic buoys officially wrapped up a two-year pilot project on the Hillsborough River.

Introduced in early 2023 to address persistent algal blooms, these buoys use ultrasonic waves to prevent algae from rising to the water’s surface and block their access to sunlight - without the need for harmful chemicals.

According to the Tampa Water Department, this technology reduced chemical algaecide usage by eliminating the need for chemicals in buoy-protected river sections during the pilot’s second year.

Each buoy generates a low-power ultrasound layer at the water's surface, which has been shown to minimize algae growth while remaining safe for fish, plants, and aquatic insects.

The buoys are equipped to monitor water quality in real time and automatically adjust their frequency to target different types of algae, ensuring consistent results and allowing Tampa staff to manage water treatment plans remotely.

This chemical-free method echoes results from other LG Sonic projects across Florida, where similar models have been credited with preventing harmful algal blooms and improving ecosystem health by reducing chemical dependence.

Key Results from the Hillsborough River LG Sonic Pilot:

• Buoy deployment: Two solar-powered buoys were strategically placed to test their efficacy.
  Central theme: Pilot scale deployment demonstrates targeted approach.
• Coverage area: Each buoy covered a 2,600-foot radius along the river near Tampa’s water treatment plant.
  Central theme: Wide coverage provides substantial impact in critical zones.
• Chemical elimination: Chemical algaecide use was eliminated in buoy zones during the most recent year.
  Central theme: Non-chemical treatment leads to safer water management.
• Water quality impact: Improved taste and odor of Tampa’s drinking water and prevented toxic blooms that harm wildlife.
  Central theme: Enhanced water quality benefits residents and the local ecosystem.
• Remote monitoring: All buoys are solar-powered and monitored remotely by city staff.
  Central theme: Smart monitoring boosts management efficiency and sustainability.

For more on the underlying technology and the city’s broader plan, see details at LG Sonic’s official deployment announcement.

Metric	Before Buoys	After Buoys
Algae (estimated cells/ml)	Higher, managed with chemicals	Significantly lower, chemicals not needed
Water Clarity (NTU)	Impacted by blooms	Improved, more stable readings
Chemical Use (lbs/month)	Consistent treatments required	None where buoys used

"Community feedback points to increased confidence in Tampa’s drinking water and aquatic health," said Michael White, a Tampa city spokesperson.

Officials report that with continued funding, Tampa plans to expand this technology further.

By embracing this innovative approach, the city leads by example in sustainable water management, echoing similar projects in Florida highlighted in recent media coverage.

Tampa landed the #2 spot on WalletHub’s 2025 list of Best U.S. Cities to Start a Business, reflecting its strong position for entrepreneurs and startups. WalletHub’s analysis of 100 large American cities measured 19 core metrics in three areas:

• Business Environment: Tampa excels in business-survival rates and the growth of small businesses, creating a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs.
• Access to Resources: The city features a robust network with financing options, active investors, and a local supply of skilled workers.
• Business Costs: Tampa offers entrepreneurs affordable expenses such as office space, labor, and competitive corporate tax rates.

Tampa excelled notably with a supportive tax climate - Florida’s business-friendly tax structure stands out with no personal income tax and a competitive 5.5% corporate tax rate - which gives startups room to grow and reinvest in their teams and operations according to Inc.com.

The city’s high investor-per-capita ratio and consistent small business growth strengthen its reputation for accessible funding, while rent costs remain affordable compared to many comparably sized markets as highlighted by WalletHub. Twelve Tampa Bay cities were recognized in 2025 as top spots for new businesses when considering not just affordability, but also the resilient startup climate and adaptive local economy per Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Tampa’s diverse workforce, strong local universities, and a supportive entrepreneurial community all weigh in as factors making it attractive for startup founders.

Recent reports also highlight robust year-over-year growth in business applications and a visible increase in both angel capital and venture funding throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Compared to cities like Miami and Orlando, Tampa leads in balancing business affordability and depth of professional networks, earning praise from founders for its high level of community support as the city continues to build momentum in tech and small business growth this year.

Metric	Tampa Ranking	Reference City (Orlando)
Business Environment	Top 5	Top 10
Access to Resources	High	Moderate
Business Costs	Low	Mid-Range

“Tampa’s ability to combine affordability with a thriving entrepreneurial spirit is what sets it apart among major metro areas.” - Lisa Perez

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a new real-time 911 video dispatch system, giving emergency services in Tampa Bay a boost in both speed and situational clarity.

When someone calls 911, dispatchers can now send a secure link to the caller’s phone, allowing them to start a live video stream. This upgrade, rolled out to all patrol deputies, means dispatchers and officers can see exactly what’s happening on the scene as it unfolds, resulting in a more accurate assessment and a quicker, more targeted response.

According to officials, this has already made a significant impact, with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri noting that

“seeing what callers see” allows for urgent decisions - such as sending the right resources to a fire or identifying a precise location in a medical emergency.

Reports show that emergencies addressed with this technology saw as much as a 22% improvement in response time compared to audio-only calls.

The technology isn’t just limited to major crises; it also helps in cases where callers can’t speak, for example during a break-in, or when visual location cues are critical for lost persons.

Information is instantly shared with both the 911 call center and deputies in the field, supported by real-time mapping and geofencing to get the closest help on the scene.

Automated video archiving also creates valuable records for future training and evidence.

• Real-time video improves response accuracy: Dispatchers and officers receive instant visuals, leading to faster, more precise decisions.
• Secure video links help in silent emergencies: Callers unable to speak can still provide crucial information through live video.
• Automated archiving enhances training and evidence: Video footage is stored for review, improving preparedness and accountability.

Other counties, such as Orange County, are taking note, with their own video-capable 911 adaptations underway.

With more jurisdictions exploring these solutions, Pinellas’s model highlights how digital tools are changing emergency response across Florida and nationally.

Feature	Benefit	Jurisdiction Adopting
Real-time 911 video	Boosts speed and situational clarity	Pinellas County
Instant info sharing	Geofencing for closest response	Orange County (pilot phase)
Video archiving	Improves training and evidence	Expanding across Florida

For more on how Pinellas County is leveraging live video in 911 response, check the latest system overview on WTSP, a feature on FOX 13 News, and learn about statewide adoption starting in Central Florida from GovTech.

Tampa’s emergence as a cybersecurity hub was spotlighted again this week when Deepwatch announced a major $180 million Series C funding round, boosting both its growth and Tampa’s tech profile.

The strategic investment was led by Springcoast Capital Partners, Splunk Ventures, and Vista Credit Partners, with the capital aimed at advancing Deepwatch’s managed detection and response (MDR) platform, enhancing its threat analytics, user interface, and overall threat detection capabilities.

Deepwatch’s services are focused on providing around-the-clock cybersecurity operations for enterprises. Since its 2019 founding, the company has experienced notable momentum, including 100% sales growth in 2022 and continued client expansion, as businesses transition operations to the cloud and digital platforms, driving serious demand for robust security solutions.

This latest funding - bringing Deepwatch’s total raised to $256 million - enables platform upgrades like AI-enhanced threat scoring and automation, as well as new self-service tools for security leaders, according to the company’s announcement.

Deepwatch’s presence strengthens Tampa’s cyber ecosystem:

• Rising demand for cybersecurity talent fuels the region, shown by many local job openings and the rapid growth of cyber education and training programs.
• Deepwatch’s regional innovation, recognized as a finalist for “Best Managed Security Service” at the 2025 SC Awards, highlights Tampa’s expanding tech cluster.
• Collaboration between Deepwatch, academic partners, and industry groups has increased enrollment in cyber training, growing workforce expertise in Tampa Bay.

Year	# of Cyber Firms	Sector Job Growth
2023	45	+16%
2025 (proj.)	67	+28%

As Christopher Jackson emphasizes, this funding positions Deepwatch - and Tampa - to deliver the next generation of protection for businesses navigating today’s cyber risks.

The momentum reflects Tampa’s growing role as a leader and incubator in the cybersecurity space.

Tampa Bay is in the spotlight for having the highest grocery price increases in the continental U.S., a reality that’s deeply affecting local households this year.

According to a recent analysis by SmartAsset, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area jumped by 4.3% between March 2024 and March 2025, putting the region just behind Honolulu, Hawaii for the top spot nationally.

• Steep grocery price hikes - Tampa saw some of the highest increases in the country, with a 4.3% year-over-year rise, placing local families under significant financial pressure.
• Category surges - Eggs, meats, poultry, and fish increased by 7.8%; cereals and bakery products by 5.3%, while fruits and vegetables climbed a mere 0.2%.
• Driver shortage - The area’s reliance on trucking is worsened by a continuing shortage of truck drivers, which pushes up the cost of moving goods and ultimately boosts grocery prices.
• Geographical challenges - Tampa Bay’s location at the end of major delivery routes and lack of rail alternatives raises transportation expenses relative to other mainland markets.
• Additional pressures - Volatile supply chains and higher farm input prices are further increasing costs for local stores and shoppers.
• Expert outlook - According to Christopher Taylor, local economic analyst, prices are "unlikely to fall in the coming six months" and consumers should "seek deals and join loyalty clubs" to manage the impact.

Product Category	Price Increase (%)	Notes
Eggs, Meat, Poultry, Fish	7.8	Largest gains among staples
Cereals & Bakery	5.3	Significant pantry staple hike
Fruits & Vegetables	0.2	Minimal increase

Michael Miller, a logistics expert, observes: "Thousands of trucks are sitting idle in Florida due to the ongoing driver shortage, which is adding to Tampa’s grocery price woes."

You can read more about the data and challenges in Tampa Bay’s grocery market at SmartAsset’s grocery price study, get expert commentary about Tampa’s unique delivery challenges at Fox 13 Tampa Bay’s coverage, and see real-life impacts and local responses in this ABC Action News report.

Walmart’s 2025 Tampa store remodels are part of a nationwide effort to upgrade over 650 locations, with 34 stores in Florida and several in the Tampa Bay area receiving significant enhancements this year.

Backed by a $1.6 billion investment in Florida stores over the past five years, the remodels aim to expand product selections, streamline online pickup and delivery, and improve the overall shopping experience.

Tampa shoppers will notice new big, bold signage, wider aisles, and expanded departments with a broader variety of merchandise on the shelves. Pharmacies are being redesigned with private screening rooms and privacy checkout areas to provide more comfort and confidentiality for patients, while technology upgrades are helping increase efficiency at every step.

The upgrades don’t stop at appearance - Walmart is also adding sustainability features, like energy-efficient equipment and lighting, and is working toward building a network of affordable electric vehicle charging stations at select locations.

Stores will remain open during renovations, with projects expected to wrap up by the end of the year, though timelines may shift depending on construction schedules.

For Tampa, improvements include enhanced online order fulfillment, greater product choices, and refreshed displays, making shopping more convenient and enjoyable for local families.

These remodels reflect Walmart’s commitment to serving as a vital part of the community while adapting to changing customer needs and expectations. For more specifics about the Tampa area upgrades, including the local store list and key improvements, you can visit coverage from WFLA News, in-depth background at TCPalm, and further investment details from Tampa Bay Business Journal.

These efforts are not just cosmetic updates, but a meaningful step forward for accessible services and customer-focused technology in the Tampa region.

• Store Enhancements: Walmart’s Tampa remodels are about expanding options and modernizing local stores for a better shopping experience.
• Tech Upgrades: New innovative technologies are speeding up online order processing and making the overall experience smoother.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Walmart is implementing energy-efficient systems and building new EV charging networks.
• Pharmacy Redesigns: Customers benefit from enhanced privacy and more comfortable pharmacy consultations.
• Community Commitment: These upgrades show Walmart’s dedication to serving Tampa and evolving with customer needs.

Remodel Area	Customer Benefit	Contact Name
Product Selections	More choices on shelves	Mary Garcia
Pharmacy Upgrades	Greater privacy & comfort	Patricia Williams
Energy-Efficient Features	Lowered operational cost, greener shopping	Elizabeth White

"Tampa's Walmart upgrades are a transformative investment in both technology and the local economy, delivering convenience and sustainability for the entire community."

Anticipation is rising for the 2025 LTL Summit hosted by BlueGrace Logistics at its Tampa headquarters. Scheduled for April 22, this two-day event will gather leading Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carriers, technology partners, and industry experts from across the country to discuss the next phase of LTL shipping.

Attendees can expect sessions on AI and automation in LTL, tactical pricing, and operational efficiency, along with keynote speakers such as BlueGrace VP Carly Bly and a featured economic outlook by Stifel.

Technical workshops and networking opportunities will further highlight strategic topics like digital freight marketplaces, sustainable logistics, and data-driven supply chain management.

The summit is designed to foster transparent conversations between shippers, carriers, and logistics professionals, helping attendees implement actionable strategies for innovation and alignment as outlined in the event overview.

• Industry trends: Smart route optimization using AI, real-time tracking, and automated LTL quote systems drive efficiency and cost savings in logistics.
• Business response: LTL carriers are adopting predictive analytics and instant quoting to meet increasing demand and create value for various business sizes according to ExFreight's recent analysis.
• Sustainability focus: Initiatives like electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered trucks, and sustainable packaging are top priorities for adapting to regulatory and market changes.
• Tampa's logistics hub status: Tampa remains a key city for freight innovation due to its port access, industry cluster, and tech-forward logistics market.
• Summit objectives: BlueGrace leadership emphasizes the importance of actionable insights and growth, making the summit relevant for startups to large-scale carriers.

Trend	Impact	Who Benefits
AI & Automation in LTL	Improves reliability and operational efficiency	Carriers & Shippers
Green Logistics	Reduces emissions and boosts regulatory compliance	Shippers & Communities
Digital Marketplaces	Enables quicker freight bookings and flexibility	Startups & Established Firms

"For more about how AI, automation, and green logistics are shaping LTL’s future, view the latest trend breakdown from Gravity Concepts," says Daniel Anderson.

As Thomas Brown notes, this summit is focused on actionable insights and long-term growth, welcoming everyone from startups to large-scale carriers dedicated to the evolving landscape of tech-first freight.

The 2025 NFL season marks a significant moment in sports officiating with the rollout of Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology as the standard for measuring first downs across all stadiums, including Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.

Hawk-Eye, known for automating line calls in tennis and soccer, now relies on six 8K cameras installed in each stadium to track the football’s exact location relative to the line to gain.

This optical system provides accurate, real-time data that feeds directly to officials, stadium displays, and broadcast viewers, drastically reducing the time and subjectivity associated with traditional chain measurements.

Unlike the older manual process, which could take up to 75 seconds and relied on the judgment of sideline chain crews, Hawk-Eye’s measurements average around 30 seconds and remain under half an inch of margin for error.

Notably, the chain crew will still be present on the sidelines as a secondary backup option, but the precise measurement call comes from Hawk-Eye’s centralized operations, coordinated out of the NFL’s Art McNally GameDay Central Officiating Center in New York (NFL Football Operations on Hawk-Eye adoption).

Key features of the Hawk-Eye integration include:

• Virtual measurement recreations enhance transparency by displaying decisions in real time to fans and coaches.
• Integration with existing replay systems creates a seamless review process to minimize interruptions during games.
• Field-tested performance improves reliability as demonstrated during the 2024 preseason and regular season (USA Today on Hawk-Eye capabilities).

Metric	Traditional Chain Crew	Hawk-Eye System
Accuracy	Manual variation	Less than half an inch
Decision Time	~75 seconds	~30 seconds
Official's Role	Primary	Secondary (after referee's ball spot)

Tampa’s swift adoption of Hawk-Eye puts the city at the forefront of this shift, with local tech startups in sports analytics finding new opportunities.

This evolution demonstrates how the fusion of live data and automated officiating advances fairness and fan engagement in football, reflecting a broader tech-driven movement in sports across the region (ESPN: NFL implementing Hawk-Eye system).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated buzz this week by welcoming several undrafted free agents (UDFAs) after the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting both their focus on player development and the increased use of technology in scouting.

Notably, the Bucs signed safety Shilo Sanders from Colorado, defensive tackle Desmond Watson from Florida, linebacker John Bullock from Nebraska, and offensive lineman Jake Majors from Texas - each aiming to secure a spot on the roster after not being selected in the draft’s seven rounds.

Watson, a local standout who weighs in at 464 pounds, received a $20,000 bonus and $50,000 guaranteed, drawing attention as one of the largest NFL players in history and reflecting the team’s openness to unique prospects like Watson.

Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, was added as a safety, bringing college production and perseverance despite off-field challenges as discussed in recent coverage on his signing.

The Buccaneers’ approach emphasizes a broader NFL trend: leveraging advanced analytics and AI-assisted scouting - such as player-tracking RFID, video analytics, and wearables - to uncover potential in overlooked athletes.

These players will participate in the rookie mini camp, scheduled for May 9 and 10, where their on-field performance data and tech-backed evaluations will help define their future with the club.

The roster flexibility, thanks in part to the International Player Pathway Program, means Tampa Bay can bring in UDFAs without surpassing league limits, allowing more chances for unheralded talent to compete as outlined in the Bucs’ 2025 tracker.

As Tampa continues to invest in modern scouting tools, these new signings reflect both a connection to local football stories and an organizational commitment to smart, tech-driven roster building.

Tampa’s tech momentum continues to build, with recent news underscoring the region’s dynamic growth and appeal for tech professionals, startups, and established companies alike.

This week’s highlights reflect why Tampa is top-ranked for entrepreneurship, with over 50,000 tech professionals already working in the region and 3,700 new jobs projected by 2027.

Notably, Tampa Bay Wave’s 2025 Tech|X Accelerator announced 15 selected startups specializing in AI security, health tech, fintech, and cloud solutions, building on the accelerator’s track record of supporting more than 600 startups that have raised over $1.1 billion and created more than 6,000 jobs (Tech|X Accelerator cohort details).

The University of South Florida continues to elevate Tampa’s innovation standing on a national scale, ranking 16th among U.S. public research universities for new utility patents in 2024 and leading game-changing projects in biotech, AI monitoring, and 3-D printed medical devices (USF patent achievements).

The recent Synapse Summit at Raymond James Stadium brought together innovators across cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and health tech - further strengthening Tampa’s collaborative tech ecosystem (Synapse Summit overview).

• Tampa Bay Wave’s Accelerator – Tampa Bay Wave’s Tech|X Accelerator supports innovation with 15 startups focusing on AI security, health tech, fintech, and cloud solutions, showing the region’s commitment to startup growth.
• USF’s National Impact – The University of South Florida consistently elevates Tampa’s innovation profile by ranking among the top patent achievers and pioneering biotech and AI projects.
• Collaborative Summits – The Synapse Summit gathers key innovators from cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and health tech, fostering connections throughout Tampa’s tech ecosystem.
• Strong Support Networks – Tampa’s more than 15 incubators and accelerators, as well as leading employers such as Amazon and ReliaQuest, provide a robust support infrastructure for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Competitive Compensation – With tech salaries averaging nearly $100,000, especially for roles like cloud architects and AI specialists, Tampa’s job market is highly attractive for skilled talent.
• Business Friendly and Diverse – Tampa’s ecosystem is business friendly, encourages diversity, and supports strong bridges between educational institutions and industry, making it an ideal environment for tech growth.

Key Tampa Tech Highlights	Description	Main Contact/Leader
Tech|X Accelerator	15 startups selected in AI, health tech, fintech, and cloud	Linda Lopez
USF Patent Leadership	Ranked 16th for new utility patents in U.S. public universities	Robert Lee
Synapse Summit	Annual event fostering collaboration across tech fields	Jennifer Davis

Tampa remains a top destination for tech talent and entrepreneurs looking for growth, opportunity, and a supportive ecosystem.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring tech talent, now is a remarkable time to connect with Tampa’s tech community and get involved in shaping the future.