This Month's Latest Tech News in Fort Lauderdale, FL - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Fort Lauderdale's tech scene is surging into summer 2025 with major advancements in AI, digital infrastructure, and talent development. A highlight is the groundbreaking partnership between Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay to create a $3 billion, 60-acre tech and entertainment campus, poised to add over 1,000 high-paying jobs and serve as Infinite Reality's new global headquarters.

As Infinite Reality's CEO Ludo Fourrage puts it,

“This isn't just a headquarters - it's the heart of Infinite Reality's future… We're building opportunity, fueling innovation, and laying the foundation for a lasting legacy.”

Economic momentum is bolstered by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, which has helped secure $110 million in investments and spurred expansions from six companies, promising hundreds more jobs and solidifying the region's tech workforce pipeline.

Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale hosted Metro Connect USA, where experts forecast rising deal activity in digital infrastructure and emphasize the city's growing role in nationwide AI-powered data center innovation.

For those ready to join this dynamic landscape, explore Nucamp's Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur Bootcamp or skill up in Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python via the Back End Bootcamp.

Dive deeper into these transformative developments at Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay's 60-Acre Flagship Campus Announcement.

Infinite Reality, the tech firm known for its rapid acquisition spree - including Napster and the Drone Racing League - has announced the transformation of a 60-acre site in Fort Lauderdale into its new $3 billion global headquarters, set to become a flagship hub for technology and entertainment innovation.

Backed by a funding round from Sterling Select, a venture development firm linked to Sterling Equities and the Katz family, Infinite Reality now boasts a valuation exceeding $15 billion following the acquisitions of Napster and AI-focused Touchcast.

According to Digital Music News' detailed report on Infinite Reality's investor reveal, Christopher Steele of Sterling Select clarified,

"Infinite Reality is a Sterling Select investment. Sterling Equities is not part of the $3B investment into Infinite Reality."

The forthcoming Fort Lauderdale campus represents a significant economic and innovation boost for the region, signaling the city's growing status as a premier tech destination.

For comprehensive insights into the company's acquisition history and evolving business model, review the Digital Music News analysis of Infinite Reality's funding and expansion and explore Forbes' coverage of its metaverse and AI ambitions.

Further details about investor relationships, regional impact, and industry trends can be found via Digital Music News' in-depth funding timeline.

The project's scale and Infinite Reality's momentum are expected to attract top talent and further cement Fort Lauderdale's rise as a global tech capital.

Fort Lauderdale is set to further cement its role as a regional technology leader with the announcement that the 2026 AIoT World Expo will be hosted at the Broward County Convention Center from February 10–12, 2026.

Organized by Technology Marketing Corp (TMC) and Crossfire Media, this three-day event will highlight the rapidly growing convergence of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things across industries such as manufacturing, smart cities, healthcare, and more.

The conference will feature AI-powered innovations in IoT development, IT operations, real-time analytics, and cybersecurity, bringing together end users, developers, and technology pioneers.

Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO, emphasized,

“We launched AIoT World Expo because it's clear that the convergence of AI and IoT is no longer on the horizon - it's happening now, and it's transforming industries at a staggering pace.”

The expo is part of the larger #TECHSUPERSHOW, with attendees gaining exposure to the latest trends in multiple tech disciplines while fostering valuable partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Registration and call for speakers are now open, with more details available in the official AIoT World Expo 2026 announcement, on the event schedule page, and by exploring the broader #TECHSUPERSHOW conference lineup for 2025–2026.

Fort Lauderdale-based CentralReach has cemented its global leadership in tech-enabled autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) care, recently securing the #5 spot on The Software Report's 2025 Top AI Companies list.

Recognized for an AI-powered software platform that boosts efficiency across practice management, note taking, scheduling, and claims, CentralReach now supports a network of over 200,000 professionals worldwide.

The platform's flagship tools - including CR ClaimCheckAI™, CR ScheduleAI™, and the generative AI assistant cari™ - have measurably improved operational outcomes by reducing clinician admin time by at least 50% and enabling a 20%+ increase in therapy appointments for those seeking care.

CEO Chris Sullens stated,

“This recognition highlights the transformative impact our AI-powered solutions are already making on tech-enabled autism and IDD care. We will continue to focus on helping our customers close the care gap through responsible, purpose-built AI that supports providers, empowers clinicians, and ultimately drives better outcomes for individuals and families.”

This achievement comes alongside accolades including the 2025 Stevie® Award for Technology Excellence and repeated honors from Inc.

Magazine as a fastest-growing company. CentralReach's feature-rich platform spans broad user needs, from enterprise ABA therapy to special education, integrating products like electronic medical records, learning management, and claims maximization.

For a deeper look at their award-winning AI tools and market impact, visit the official announcement by Real Leaders on CentralReach's industry recognition, review the comprehensive Software Report feature on CentralReach's AI ranking, or explore their Technology Breakthrough of the Year winning AI solution cari™.

Algorhythm Holdings, based in Fort Lauderdale, has completed its acquisition of SemiCab India for $1.75 million in promissory notes and 119,742 shares - representing roughly 5% of Algorhythm's outstanding stock - dramatically strengthening its global AI-driven transportation platform.

This move grants Algorhythm a strategic foothold in India's $1.3 trillion logistics market, leveraging SemiCab's cloud-based AI platform, which has already raised freight utilization from 65% to 90%, cut shipping costs by up to 10%, and reduced carbon emissions by 25%.

Rapid fleet expansion agreements have increased SemiCab India's active trucks from 140 to a potential 590, with a further 1,000 in the pipeline and projected annualized revenue to soar from $4.6 million to over $23 million in the second half of 2025.

As noted by CEO Gary Atkinson,

“India represents one of the world's most compelling logistics opportunities due to its geographic density, strong institutional partnerships, and accelerating infrastructure investment. With this transaction, we gain direct access to top-tier multinational customers and a rapidly scaling AI platform positioned to disrupt the global freight market.”

SemiCab, now the AI logistics partner for the National Digital Freight Exchange (NDFE), is already rolling out pilots with over 40 major enterprises.

For deeper insight into the acquisition details and strategic vision, visit Algorhythm Holdings acquires SemiCab India and expands its global AI transportation footprint, learn about the fleet expansion and market projections at Algorhythm Holdings Announces Major Fleet Expansion for SemiCab India, or review the technology's business impact and market context via Algorhythm acquires SemiCab India to boost AI-driven freight efficiency in growing market.

South Florida's tech ecosystem is set for a major leap with the University of South Florida's launch of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing in Fall 2025, the first AI-centered college of its kind in Florida.

Supported by a historic $40 million donation from Arnie and Lauren Bellini, the college is designed to bridge the critical talent gap in AI and cybersecurity, providing interdisciplinary pathways for students in fields like business, criminology, and psychology.

Provost Prasant Mohapatra emphasized,

“The Bellini College will one day serve as a national model – one that prepares students to lead in the constantly evolving fields of cybersecurity and AI.”

Addressing the rapid growth in Florida's tech sector - projected to increase by 12.5% by 2029 - USF's innovative “hub-and-spoke” structure will connect foundational computing disciplines with applied specialty areas, producing job-ready grads for both local and national demand where 700,000 cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled.

Notably, the college will also foster USF-wide collaboration, hands-on industry partnerships, and ethical AI research, while offering accessible education like their redesigned free micro-course on generative AI (available to the public in 2025).

For a deeper dive into the Bellini College's vision and student experience, explore their impact and integration with Tampa Bay's growing economy in this USF feature: “USF Bellini College to Ignite Tampa Bay's Tech Talent”.

Initiative	Detail
Opening Date	Fall 2025
Initial Faculty Hires	15-20 professors
Target Enrollment	5,000 students
USF's Economic Impact	$6 billion
Cumulative Tech Sector Growth (5 Years)	28.5%
Cybersecurity Job Openings Filled in US	83%

Angela Marinas has been appointed as Fort Lauderdale's Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO), bringing over 25 years of expertise in ERP, digital modernization, and smart technologies to the city's ambitious smart city agenda.

Having joined Fort Lauderdale in November 2020, Marinas led the city's business and digital transformation - including a major ERP-Cloud solution - paving the way for improved efficiency and innovation through strategic technology leadership.

Her vision echoes successful smart city initiatives observed in neighboring communities, which emphasize transparency, open data, actionable information, citizen engagement, and mobility improvements as core pillars of urban transformation.

As spotlighted in a bulletin on municipal digital innovation, smart city strategies enhance customer service and quality of life for all residents by integrating people, organizations, and intelligent systems.

Marinas' leadership is set to deepen Fort Lauderdale's commitment to such values, ensuring broad collaboration and lasting digital impact. For a closer look at her background and leadership philosophy, visit her professional profile.

Quest Diagnostics has officially launched a pioneering collaboration with Google Cloud to harness generative AI and advanced data analytics in healthcare, bringing transformative capabilities to Fort Lauderdale's medical community.

Leveraging Google Agentspace, Quest aims to automate complex data tasks, deliver predictive population health analytics, and personalize physician and patient experiences.

The partnership enables personalized health insights, streamlines scheduling reminders, and furnishes clinicians with real-time, comprehensive lab data to optimize care decisions.

In 2024 alone, Quest processed over 200 million test requisitions and managed more than 80 billion data points, now secured and processed on Google Cloud's HIPAA-compliant infrastructure.

“A complete picture of a patient's lab data helps physicians provide the best care possible. Trends and correlations in lab results form a complete picture of health.” - Mark Clare, Quest's Chief Data Officer

This initiative is among the first large-scale generative AI deployments by a national laboratory, emphasizing strict data privacy while automating tasks across research, customer engagement, and operations.

For a deeper dive into the partnership and its impact on patient outcomes, read MedCity News' detailed analysis of Quest's generative AI partnership with Google Cloud, ROI-NJ's coverage of AI-powered healthcare initiatives at Quest, and NJBIZ's exploration of how AI is personalizing diagnostics and care delivery.

The region's healthcare sector stands to benefit from faster, more accurate diagnoses and enhanced operational efficiency as Quest cements its role at the forefront of responsible, patient-centered innovation.

Miami-based Cast AI has secured a landmark $108 million Series C funding round - led by G2 Venture Partners and SoftBank Vision Fund 2 - catapulting its valuation to $850 million and marking a major leap in cloud infrastructure efficiency for AI workloads.

With a customer base now exceeding 2,100 enterprises, including Akamai, BMW, and Hugging Face, Cast AI's proprietary Application Performance Automation (APA) platform leverages machine learning to automate real-time cost, speed, and security optimization across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, dramatically addressing industry inefficiencies highlighted by average utilization rates of just 10% for CPU and 23% for memory.

As CEO Yuri Frayman noted,

“APA didn't exist five years ago, because we hadn't invented it yet. This round fuels our continued expansion of a category we created, and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in cloud automation.”

The company aims to use the new capital to expand globally and advance platform features such as autoscaling, instant deployment of hyper-efficient GPU clusters, and in-place pod resizing, further reinforcing Fort Lauderdale's position as a South Florida tech powerhouse.

For deeper insights into Cast AI's global strategy and technology, explore their official Series C press release, review the TechCrunch analysis on AI and Kubernetes optimization, and see where Cast AI ranks among 2025's top VC-funded AI startups.

The following table highlights key resource utilization data from Cast AI's recent benchmark report:

Resource	Average Utilization
CPU	10%
Memory	23%

Algorhythm Holdings, based in Fort Lauderdale and traded as NASDAQ: RIME, is preparing to announce its first quarter 2025 financial results, spotlighting a volatile but transformative period driven by AI business diversification and the recent acquisition of SemiCab India.

While Q1 revenue slid 16.7% year-over-year to $2 million and GAAP net loss widened to $9.2 million (impacted by a one-time $6.4 million non-cash warrant expense), the company's gross margin improved to 25.1% and inventory was reduced by 14% as management pivots its strategic focus from its declining karaoke unit to the rapidly scaling AI-enabled logistics platform.

The SemiCab business, now operating at a $4.6 million annualized revenue run rate with over 140 trucks and access to 450 additional, is forecast to quadruple revenues to more than $23 million in the second half of 2025 via further fleet expansion.

CEO Gary Atkinson noted,

“We're seeing meaningful traction in India as pilot customers transition to full-scale commercial contracts... This capacity boost is expected to drive accelerated sales growth, enhance the benefits that can be achieved by carriers through the use of our network, and provide greater efficiency on key transport lanes.”

Below is a snapshot of Algorhythm's Q1 2025 results and SemiCab's growth trajectory:

Metric	Q1 2025	Q1 2024
Net Sales	$1.99M	$2.43M
Gross Profit Margin	25.1%	20.7%
Net Loss	($9.2M)	($2.4M)
Cash on Hand	$3.3M	$7.6M (Dec '24)
Adjusted Net Loss (non-GAAP)	($3.2M)	($2.4M)

For more, review Algorhythm's full Q1 financial breakdown, see the details of SemiCab India's fleet growth and revenue projections, or join the May 16 investor call as outlined in their official conference announcement.

South Florida is grappling with a surge of AI-fueled crime, as local authorities and the FBI warn residents of increasingly sophisticated scam calls, texts, and deepfake impersonations targeting everyone from retirees to business leaders.

AI enables criminals to convincingly mimic voices, create fake video messages, and automate phishing attempts, making old tricks like romance scams, “catphishing,” and fraudulent law enforcement calls far more believable and difficult to spot (how AI-powered social engineering scams are getting savvier).

In fact, Florida residents reported more than 1,500 impersonation scams in the past year, leading to losses exceeding $12 million, while investment frauds - often driven by cryptocurrency schemes - rank among the state's biggest financial threats (rise in AI-driven scam calls in South Florida).

According to law enforcement, these attacks use victims' names, research their backgrounds, and create urgent, emotional situations to coerce action. As Miami-Dade Detective Marcos Rodriguez explains:

“Crime goes forward with technology, so the probability is high, yes.”

The FBI urges simple defensive steps, such as verifying identities independently, resisting pressure to share personal data, and reporting attempted scams.

To underscore the scale of this trend, here's a snapshot of the economic and demographic impact reported in 2024:

Category	Florida Losses (2024)	National Losses
Impersonation Scams	$12M+	-
Investment Fraud	-	$6.57B
Phishing/Spoofing Complaints	~1,579	193,000+
Crypto Fraud (Age 60+)	-	$9.3B

This escalation highlights an urgent need for AI literacy and ethics education in the region (warning signs of AI scams from Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office), empowering residents to recognize deception, question digital interactions, and prevent further harm.

Fort Lauderdale's fast-evolving tech sector stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, offering both great promise and critical challenges. The city is cementing its place on the innovation map by hosting events like the Generative AI Expo, where global leaders gather to share pragmatic business applications and ethical solutions for generative AI across industries such as healthcare, design, and media (top generative AI events shaping 2025).

At the same time, funding trends reveal Florida startups have raised roughly $820 million so far this year - a multi-year low - though Miami's Cast AI notably landed a $108 million Series C as the region vies for investment and unicorn status (current state of Florida's tech funding).

Amid this growth, AI governance and ethics remain critical: only 23% of U.S. consumers trust companies to manage AI responsibly, and compliance frameworks are becoming non-negotiable as new regulations and ISO/IEC certifications shape procurement and public trust.

A Forbes analysis observes,

“AI governance in 2025 is heavily focused on compliance with emerging regulations... global harmonization remains elusive, especially with U.S. regulatory fragmentation.”

(expert predictions on AI governance and ethics).

For Fort Lauderdale, the way forward is clear: invest in responsible innovation, deepen AI literacy, and build diverse, ethics-centered tech talent pipelines.

Bootcamps, scholarships, and ongoing networking will help local professionals seize opportunities and shape a resilient, trust-driven AI future.