Today, the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program, a collaboration between The Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation, eMerge Americas, and Related Ross, officially kicked off in West Palm Beach, Florida. The 8-week hybrid accelerator programs for FinTech and Dual-Use & Defense Tech startups will connect participants with resources and mentorship from some of the top CEOs and business leaders in Florida. 

Over the last five years, Florida has ranked second in the nation for Finance and Insurance GDP growth, outpacing both New York and California. The Defense industry in Florida mirrors this, ranking second nationwide in manufacturing defense systems and aerospace products and has an economic impact of more than $100 billion annually.

“Florida’s Gold Coast is fast becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This accelerator represents our commitment to cultivating the next generation of tech leaders and connecting them with the mentorship, capital, and community they need to thrive,” said Michael Simas, President & CEO of The Florida Council of 100. “Together with our partners, we’re building an ecosystem where bold ideas can take root and scale across the state.”

“At Related Ross, we are proud to partner with The Florida Council of 100 and eMerge Americas to launch the Gold Coast Tech accelerator program, which will immerse startups in an intense, hands-on experience with some of Florida’s top business leaders,” said Eric Silagy, Vice Chairman of Related Ross. “We are excited to see how these startups take advantage of this unique opportunity and shape the future of the Gold Coast region.”

“Startups and scaleups will be presenting and showcasing their innovative products and solutions during the Gold Coast Teach Accelerator Program, providing a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and CEOs to connect and encourage growth across the state of Florida,” said Melissa Medina, Cofounder and CEO of eMerge Americas.

The benefits of the program include: 

Elite Mentorship: Direct access to top CEOs, investors, and industry leaders. 

Corporate Partnerships: Pilot and scale with leading enterprises. 

Market Access: Leverage Florida’s thriving ecosystem for growth and customer acquisition. 

Investor Network: Connect with Florida’s vast investor community. 

Office space: Meeting and collaboration space provided at no cost to participants. 

About The Florida Council of 100 and The Florida Council of 100 Foundation The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders dedicated to improving Florida’s quality of life and economic well-being. Founded in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant, the Council serves as a trusted advisor to Florida’s elected officials and policymakers. Its membership represents over 200 companies employing more than 1.3 million Floridians, collectively shaping the state’s future through business-driven policy solutions and direct economic impact initiatives. The Florida Council of 100 Foundation is the Council’s nonprofit affiliate, focused on research, education, and strategic initiatives that support long-term economic growth and prosperity across Florida. The Foundation plays a key role in identifying opportunities, funding forward-thinking programs, and driving collaborative partnerships to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline and innovation economy. For more information about The Florida Council of 100, visit www.fc100.org. 

About eMerge Americas eMerge Americas is a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, bringing together global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate advancements across AI, Finance, Health, and National Security. Through year-round programming and its annual tech conference + expo in Miami, eMerge drives transformative ideas to market and strengthens industries through connection, capital, and collaboration. Since 2014, the global tech conference + expo has attracted 20,000+ attendees annually from over 50 countries and catalyzed billions in venture investment. 

About Related Ross Led by visionary developer Stephen Ross, Related Ross is a fully integrated real estate company shaping South Florida’s next generation of growth. With more than $10B planned in investment across Palm Beach County, the firm is a market leader in attracting global companies and talent to South Florida’s Gold Coast spanning from Miami to Palm Beach County. As a catalyst for regional growth, Related Ross is advancing developments through public-private partnerships that strengthen business ecosystems, expand attainable housing offerings, support world-class healthcare, enhance higher education and K-12 opportunities, and cultivate innovation hubs to accelerate South Florida’s dynamic business and cultural growth. Related Ross also curates entertainment programming and thought-leadership initiatives that position the region as a national center for ideas and experiences. Its portfolio spans mixed-use, Class AA+ lifestyle office, luxury residential, affordable housing, city centers, hotels and hospitality, and public realm, designed to anchor long-term economic vitality in the communities they build. For more information, visit www.relatedross.com. 

Media Contact: 

Grace Bartlinski, grace@mcnicholas.biz, 410-504-3274