This Month's Latest Tech News in Fort Lauderdale, FL - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

April 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Fort Lauderdale's tech landscape, underscored by Infinite Reality's partnership with Sterling Bay to transform a remediated 60-acre Superfund site into a cutting-edge global headquarters and campus.

Set for a 2026 opening at 1400 NW 31st Avenue, this multi-phase project will introduce over 100,000 square feet of office space and create upwards of 1,000 high-paying jobs, fostering both economic and cultural revitalization.

The initiative highlights the region's commitment to technology-driven growth and builds on a national surge in AI and tech investment, with U.S. VC capital for AI startups rising to a record 46.4% of $209 billion in 2024.

As Infinite Reality CEO John Acunto notes,

“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.”

For further details on this transformative project, visit the Infinite Reality and Sterling Bay partnership official press release.

For a broader view of recent investment trends, including 2025's largest AI and fintech funding rounds, review the April Top 10 Funding Report on major AI and fintech deals and see the AI Investment Landscape 2025 analysis highlighting sustained sector momentum.

Fort Lauderdale is set to solidify its role as a premier tech hub as it prepares to host the AIoT World Expo 2026 at the Broward County Convention Center, a gathering that promises to unite global industry leaders in artificial intelligence and IoT. Building on the influential legacy of the IoT Evolution Expo, the upcoming conference will spotlight keynote speakers such as Chris Swearingen of FedEx, Preston Marshall of Google, Mike Bergman from Consumer Technology Association, and Terra Bastolich of GetWireless, covering transformative advances in logistics, wireless standards, post-quantum encryption, edge AI, and smart city innovation.

As Carl Ford, CEO of Crossfire Media, noted,

“Our speakers represent thought leadership for the IoT ecosystem as well as the best innovation in various vertical markets. If you're ready to see where the next wave of IoT opportunity is happening, then you should come, look, listen and learn at IoT Evolution Expo.”

The event serves diverse industries - smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond - providing attendees the opportunity to network, learn from top experts, and uncover AIoT's real-world impact.

For complete details on the event and featured speakers, visit the official AIoT World Expo Speaker Schedule and explore the AIoT World Expo Call for Papers for Participation Opportunities.

Further highlights and the significance of the event to the local and global tech ecosystem can be found in the IoT Evolution Expo Keynote Speakers Announcement.

Infinite Reality (iR), in partnership with Sterling Bay, is set to transform Fort Lauderdale's economic landscape with the launch of a $3 billion, 60-acre technology and entertainment campus.

Slated for a 2026 opening on a remediated former Superfund site at 1400 NW 31st Avenue, this ambitious development will serve as iR's global headquarters, featuring over 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, as well as production, retail, and entertainment facilities.

The project is expected to generate over 1,000 new jobs averaging six-figure salaries and will include educational initiatives to train local talent in STEM and immersive technology.

As highlighted by Mayor Dean Trantalis,

“This land was sitting vacant and unused for many decades, and this becomes an opportunity for us…we know it's going to bring jobs and that jobs will have the ripple effect of bringing more jobs, businesses and greater opportunities for everybody in the area.”

The campus is made possible by iR's recent $3 billion funding round, which boosted its valuation to $12.25 billion and supports its vision for global tech leadership.

For a full overview of the project's scale, partners, and impact, see this official announcement of Infinite Reality's flagship campus in South Florida.

Learn more about the innovative features and community-driven strategy in this South Florida Business Journal deep dive on Infinite Reality's headquarters and job creation, and examine how $3B in new capital is accelerating immersive technology and long-term local growth in this comprehensive funding report on Infinite Reality's $3 billion raise.

Project Feature	Detail
Investment	$3 Billion (2025)
Campus Size	60 Acres
Job Creation	1,000+ (avg. six-figure salaries)
Facilities	100,000+ sq ft office, retail, entertainment, production
Opening	Expected 2026

“This isn't just a headquarters - it's the heart of Infinite Reality's future. As a proud South Florida resident, this project is deeply personal to me. We're building opportunity, fueling innovation, and laying the foundation for a lasting legacy.” - John Acunto, Co-founder and CEO, Infinite Reality

The Google Search antitrust trial has evolved into a pivotal battle over the future of artificial intelligence competition, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) now highlights generative AI as both the context and consequence of Google's longstanding search dominance.

The DOJ contends that Google's control over its massive search index - spanning more than 100 million gigabytes - enables the tech giant to advance its Gemini AI, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that could stifle rival AI developers and restrict consumer choice.

In the remedy phase of the trial, government attorneys have called for sweeping changes, including the forced sale of Google's Chrome browser and mandated licensing of valuable search data to competitors, arguing these steps are crucial to prevent an unbreakable AI monopoly.

As DOJ attorney David Dahlquist argued,

“This is the time for the court to tell Google and all other monopolists…that there are consequences when you break the antitrust laws.”

Google counters that the AI and search landscape remains fiercely competitive, pointing to the strong user bases of OpenAI's ChatGPT and MetaAI. Recent user metrics illustrate the landscape:

Product	Daily Active Users (March 2025)	Monthly Active Users (March 2025)
ChatGPT	160 million	~600 million
Gemini	35 million	350 million

The outcome could have far-reaching effects - not just for Google, but for global tech regulation, digital markets, and the competitive trajectory of AI in Fort Lauderdale and beyond.

For a detailed look at the trial's AI focus and stakes, read NPR's coverage on why Google's search engine trial is about AI; GreyCyan's breakdown on how AI may cement or loosen Google's monopoly; and the New York Times analysis of the government's proposed remedies to restore digital competition.

Fort Lauderdale-based CentralReach continues to garner national recognition for its robust suite of AI-powered autism and intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) care solutions.

In the past year, the company has announced an exclusive partnership with AI.Measures to bring advanced, standardized, and evidence-based assessments to clinicians nationwide, reinforcing its leadership in value-based care and individualized therapy plans through strategic collaborations.

CentralReach's proprietary generative AI assistant, cari™, earned the Silver Stevie® Award for Technology Breakthrough of the Year, celebrated for streamlining administrative burdens across clinical workflows and improving clinician capacity with practical AI applications.

Furthermore, the Software Report ranked CentralReach fifth among the Top AI Companies of 2025, highlighting its organizational strength and innovative use of large language models in automating claims, personalized learner assessments, and secure, HIPAA-compliant data handling as recognized by industry analysts.

AI Solution	Award/Recognition	Key Impact
cari™ AI Assistant	Silver Stevie® Award 2024	Reduced admin workload, improved workforce capacity
Claims Maximizer Suite	Top 5 AI Company, 2025	Automated clean claims, 10%+ higher claim cleanliness
AI.Measures Partnership	Industry Exclusive	Norm-referenced, data-driven assessments

“The future of autism care lies in precision and standardization... This partnership solves a fundamental industry challenge by providing tools to assess skills and interfering behaviors and prescribe individualized treatment.” - Thomas Frazier, Ph.D., CEO of AI.Measures

As CentralReach expands its reach, these advancements signal Fort Lauderdale's growing stature as a hub for impactful AI healthcare technologies.

Algorhythm Holdings and its Fort Lauderdale-based subsidiary, The Singing Machine Company, are steadily making national headlines for their transformative approach in both AI-driven logistics and consumer entertainment.

Following the acquisition of SemiCab, Algorhythm is leveraging advanced AI and machine learning to address global supply-chain inefficiencies, increasing truck utilization rates from 65% to over 90% and targeting a potential 25% reduction in CO2 emissions from freight transport (Algorhythm Holdings to Present at the LD Micro Invitational XV Conference).

Meanwhile, The Singing Machine maintains its position as a worldwide leader in karaoke products, recently debuting innovative in-car entertainment systems and expanding its reach into over 25,000 retail locations.

Despite a 2024 net loss of $24.4 million - primarily attributed to marked reductions in karaoke sales and one-time expenses - the company reported $23.5 million in annual revenue and successfully raised over $10 million to support its AI logistics pivot (Algorhythm Holdings 2024 Financial Results).

Looking ahead, speculative estimates suggest combined revenues from SemiCab contracts and karaoke business could approach $50 million by 2025, positioning Algorhythm for significant market cap growth should these initiatives scale as anticipated.

As one financial analyst put it,

“Algorhythm Holdings could reach $25M–$30M in revenue through its existing karaoke business...SemiCab contribution: $12M–$15M, potentially up to $20M if pilots and contracts scale. Total projected revenue range: $40M to $50M in 2025.”

For a deeper financial snapshot and evolving investor strategy, visit this comprehensive Algorhythm Holdings stock analysis.

Angela Marinas has officially stepped up as Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Fort Lauderdale, bringing over 25 years of expertise across public and private sectors, including senior roles at iBiP Corporation, NTT Data Services, and the City of Miami.

Marinas joined the city in 2020 as Director of Enterprise Resource Planning and, by 2023, advanced to Chief Digital Officer and Assistant IT Director, where she leveraged AI, machine learning, and IoT to modernize citywide application services.

Under her leadership, the city has retired legacy systems, implemented innovative solutions like Infor CloudSuite, and championed digital modernization for critical services.

She succeeds Tamecka McKay, who was instrumental in updating Fort Lauderdale's 50-year-old ERP system and consolidated five outdated data centers, especially crucial after natural disasters.

As Marinas leads the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department - comprised of 76 employees and a $26 million budget - her vision is set on building resilient, future-ready municipal technology.

For more on the leadership transition, see Fort Lauderdale CIO Departs, City Names Marinas as Acting CIO.

Explore Marinas' executive background on her FLGISA symposium profile.

Learn about the city's digital services and priorities at Fort Lauderdale Information Technology Services.

South Florida's commitment to building top tech talent and tackling AI ethics is entering a new era with the launch of Barry University's Artificial Intelligence Center and University of South Florida's (USF) Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.

Barry's Miami Shores-based center, featuring a Digital Transformation Lab, hands-on business partnerships, and new AI-focused courses, is designed to expand workforce development and guide students on the responsible application of AI across all disciplines.

Similarly, USF's $40 million Bellini College - the nation's first named college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity - aims to address the region's urgent need for skilled professionals, offering innovative undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, and industry collaborations (Barry University's Artificial Intelligence Center details).

The college's curriculum integrates technical expertise with a strong emphasis on ethical AI use and digital integrity, responding to both the $12 billion lost to cybercrime in 2023 and the current 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs nationwide (Bellini College AI and cybersecurity initiative).

Together, these initiatives mark South Florida as a rising force in AI education, preparing students for high-impact careers and empowering them to shape ethical, innovation-driven futures.

As USF President Rhea Law notes,

“As AI and cybersecurity quickly evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in these areas continues to grow, along with the need for more research to better understand how to utilize powerful new technologies in ways that improve our society.”

For a deeper look at how USF is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement, read about the college's launch and $40 million funding at USF's record-breaking AI education investment.

Fort Lauderdale's healthcare landscape is advancing rapidly, with Quest Diagnostics pioneering the integration of predictive analytics and generative AI through a landmark collaboration with Google Cloud.

This partnership enables Quest - a provider managing over 200 million test requisitions and 80 billion data points annually - to leverage Google Cloud's HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and Agentspace platform, delivering powerful population health analytics and individualized patient engagement tools.

As described in their strategy,

“Google Cloud's platform streamlines data securely to generate insights and improve productivity. Its generative AI breaks down care roadblocks, improving access, experience, and quality”

(NJBiz: Quest Partners With Google Cloud).

Physicians and patients alike benefit from more actionable, personalized insights - ranging from follow-up appointment reminders to advanced diagnostics - while clinicians gain faster, unified access to comprehensive laboratory results (MedCity News: Quest Diagnostics and Google Cloud).

Supporting this digital transformation, Quest recently acquired assets from PathAI Diagnostics to catalyze AI-driven advances in cancer and specialty disease diagnostics, underscoring their commitment to quality and efficiency (Stock Titan: Quest's AI Collaboration Details).

The table below highlights Quest's operational scale and recent innovations:

Annual Test Requisitions	Data Points Managed	Recent AI Deployments
200M+	80B+	Microbiology, Cytology, Specimen Processing, Customer Service

“Combining Google Cloud's AI and data analytics with Quest's healthcare expertise will improve diagnostics and patient care, paving the way for personalized, proactive, and accessible healthcare.” - Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud

With AI-driven fraud escalating rapidly across South Florida, public education and heightened awareness have become critical defenses against deepfake scams targeting the region's residents and professionals.

Recent investigations reveal that AI-powered impersonations - ranging from convincing “loved one” phone calls to the use of celebrity deepfakes in investment pitches - contributed to over $12 billion in U.S. fraud losses last year, projected to rise to $40 billion by 2027.

In real estate, a recent case in Broward County saw a scammer use deepfake video to impersonate a landowner on Zoom, only foiled by a vigilant title officer who noticed subtle discrepancies in the call.

According to Frank on Fraud's report on AI deepfake threats in real estate, “It's just going to get more sophisticated...

I wouldn't be surprised if more people utilize this type of technology to fool many people in our community.” Deepfake technology is being exploited in a multitude of scams - including phishing, romance, and imposter fraud - where perpetrators craft credible images, voices, and videos to deceive victims, a trend discussed in Experian's 2025 scam forecast.

Detection tools exist, each with strengths and weaknesses, as detailed in the table below:

Tool	Cost	Accuracy & Notes
Deepware	Free	70% accuracy on longer videos; struggles with short clips
Deepfake Detector	$16.80/mo	~92% accuracy; sensitive to background noise
Sensity	Free trial	Correctly identified all tested clips

AI education initiatives like those at Barry University aim to empower every student with the skills to recognize and counter these threats:

“Our mission is to provide all students, regardless of their field of study, with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively and ethically.”

For more strategies to protect your identity and finances, see Consumer Reports' deepfake scam prevention tips.

Roamly, a digital-first insurtech leader, has launched its new Fort Lauderdale hub - marking a pivotal expansion to better serve Florida's booming recreational market of over 1 million registered boats and 825,000 RVs.

The office will act as a strategic recruitment center, already hiring eight local professionals with ongoing plans to staff claims specialists, customer success teams, and insurance experts from Florida's robust talent pool of more than 300,000 insurance professionals.

In the words of Rich Sanders, Roamly President and Florida Office Head,

“Florida's incredible combination of outdoor recreation and insurance infrastructure makes it a high-impact market for us. Our expansion into Florida as we enter peak travel season with AI-powered insurance solutions tailored to recreational lifestyles offers proximity to customers and collaboration with other industry-leading partners.”

Roamly is forging partnerships with major carriers - including Progressive, Safeco, American Modern, and Ahoy! Insurance - to deliver simplified, AI-powered policies entirely through its digital platform.

As Ahoy! Insurance CEO Amit Nisenbaum noted, this partnership “combines Ahoy's nationwide, boater-centric, tech-driven coverage with a digital platform designed to seamlessly cater to the diverse array of vessels owned by today's modern consumer.” Roamly's proprietary technology expedites product launches, enhances underwriting, and provides a transparent, mobile-native experience for recreational insurance buyers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

For more details, explore the official announcement on Roamly's Fort Lauderdale hub launch, see insights on carrier partnerships and tech-driven coverage from MENAFN's report, and read more about national recruitment and the digital transformation at Life Insurance International.

Fort Lauderdale's tech ascent is undeniable as April 2025 closes with landmark funding, major events, and a thriving startup scene. Local AI startup Cast AI led the way by securing $108 million in Series C funding - one of South Florida's largest rounds this year - signaling the region's growing clout in cloud computing and AI innovation (Cast AI's record funding round).

Startup momentum is sustained across the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro, which ranked 8th nationally in Q1 venture funding and featured notable deals in cleantech (Ubiquia, $70.6M) and fintech (One Amazon, $105M), collectively raising nearly $900 million in just three months (regional venture capital trends).

The city's influence extends into the future, with Fort Lauderdale set to host the AIoT World Expo in February 2026, where experts will explore the convergence of artificial intelligence and IoT across cybersecurity, enterprise, and smart infrastructure.

As Rich Tehrani, CEO of TMC, puts it in a recent event announcement:

“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.”

This climate of growth is also an opportunity for local talent: aspiring professionals can tap into Nucamp's affordable, flexible bootcamps in cybersecurity, web, and software development, with robust scholarship and financing options.

Fort Lauderdale has rapidly emerged as an AI and tech powerhouse, attracting capital, fostering innovation, and creating pathways for the next generation of tech leaders under the leadership of CEO Ludo Fourrage.