By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Entrepreneurship
Florida lawmakers, agency leaders, and investors got a firsthand look at Israel’s startup engine on January 26th as the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator, Select Florida, and FloridaCommerce hosted the second Israel Pitch Day in Tallahassee.
Held near the Capitol, the invite-only showcase brought a group of Israeli technology companies to Florida to present solutions across cybersecurity, water infrastructure, defense, aviation, and medical devices. The event followed the inaugural pitch day in 2024 and signaled continued momentum behind Florida’s growing role as a US gateway for Israeli innovation.
“The Florida-Israel Pitch Day is a product of years of collaboration—highlighting Florida and Israel’s proud partnership in innovation and talent development,” said SelectFlorida President Dr. Matt Swanson. “These events are the ideal location for companies to showcase their innovative solutions to state leaders and investors that they may otherwise not have access to—putting them in a better position to grow their businesses and, in turn, invest in our high-skill workforce and Florida’s pro-business economy.”
Often referred to as the Startup Nation, Israel is known for producing companies in high-stakes sectors with global demand. Organizers positioned the pitch day as a way to move beyond introductions and into execution by connecting founders directly with state policymakers, agency leadership, and potential partners.
All of the companies presenting already have an operational footprint in Florida or are in the process of expanding in the state with manufacturing facilities, training centers, and US headquarters underway.
“Bringing Israeli founders directly to Tallahassee creates real alignment between global innovation and Florida’s economic priorities. Israel Pitch Day is about moving from conversation to action by connecting companies with the policymakers and agency leaders who can help accelerate growth in the state,” Pam Miniati, co-executive director of the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator.
Exodigo showcased its AI-driven subsurface mapping technology designed to support infrastructure and construction projects, while IDE Technologies highlighted its role in developing large scale water treatment systems, including a Fort Lauderdale facility currently under construction that has generated hundreds of jobs. Cyber threat intelligence firm Kela Cyber med-tech company Ossio, and defense drone company Xtend Defense also presented alongside MySky ECO, which is collaborating with Israel-based Airwayz on next-generation unmanned aerial systems through the Space Florida Israel Innovation Partnership Program.
In addition to company presentations, FloridaCommerce leadership participated in a panel discussion outlining the state’s priorities for attracting international business investment and high-wage technology jobs. Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said, “…Florida-Israel Pitch Day fostered innovation and collaboration between start-ups, public private partners, and state agencies—further strengthening Florida and Israel’s economic partnership.”
Rakefet Bachur Phillips, co-executive director of FIBA, added, “The companies participating are not just exploring Florida, they are actively investing in it. Many are already establishing operations, creating jobs, and building long-term partnerships that strengthen Florida’s position as a gateway for Israeli innovation.”
With continued investment and repeat engagement, organizers say Israel Pitch Day is becoming a key touchpoint for Florida’s international technology strategy and a signal that the state is serious about competing for global innovation talent.
Related coverage
- Florida’s Quiet Innovation Engine: How the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator Is Reshaping Tampa Bay and the State’s Economy
- Pam Miniati: Building Tampa Bay’s Startup Ecosystem Through the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator
- Rakefet Bachur-Phillips: Driving Growth and Global Connections Through the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator
