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

Miami's tech landscape is hitting a new stride, with Hialeah and surrounding areas seeing surging momentum in AI-driven innovation and funding. After a post-pandemic dip, Florida startup capital stabilized, closing over $950 million in Q1 2024, anchored by significant rounds like Orlando's Kore.ai ($150M) and ThreatLocker ($115M), both with strong AI and cybersecurity focus.

Meanwhile, national trends show billion-dollar investments fueling next-generation U.S. AI startups - OpenAI raised a massive $40B round, while regional events like the Miami AI Mania Pitch Battle semi-finals at Sagamore Hotel are spotlighting local founders, offering $300K+ in prizes as they pitch novel AI solutions to industry leaders and compete for places at headline events such as Infobip Shift Miami 2025.

According to Crunchbase's analysis of Florida startup funding stabilization in Q1 2024, “the improved funding trend in 2024 suggests optimism for the startup ecosystem.” To see the scale of AI investment shaping the industry, view TechCrunch's roundup of 19 U.S. AI startups that have raised $100M or more in 2025.

For a look at the founders and future technology emerging from South Florida's startup community, explore the event agenda at MIAMI AI MANIA: AI Startups Pitch Battle Semi-Finals.

Infobip SHIFT Miami 2025, taking place May 5-7 at the Pérez Art Museum, is set to become the epicenter of AI-focused collaboration between developers, tech executives, and industry visionaries.

The conference will showcase leading experts like Albert Brennan (All Hands AI), Stefania Druga (Google DeepMind), and Eno Reyes (Factory), offering a robust lineup of talks, panels, workshops, and hands-on experiences to demonstrate how AI is transforming both software development and the broader economy.

According to Ivan Brezak Brkan, Director of Developer Experience and Content,

“Developers are leading the way when it comes to using AI to transform whole industries. Whether they are both crafting cutting-edge LLMs and using AI to supercharge already successful digital products. Shift Miami will be the only place in Florida where developers and tech executives can truly explore how AI empowers today's economy.”

The event is not only a learning hub but also a networking powerhouse, featuring startup pitch battles with over $300,000 in prizes and direct access to industry giants like Google Cloud.

Infobip, recognized as a leader in CPaaS and AI messaging by multiple industry awards, illustrates its global reach and expertise through this flagship North American event.

For more insights on the AI-centric agenda and confirmed speakers, visit the official Infobip SHIFT Miami 2025 conference website.

Explore a detailed preview and registration opportunities at BusinessWire's announcement of Infobip SHIFT Miami 2025, and read an in-depth analysis on SHIFT's impact at ShiftMag's report on AI and developer innovation at SHIFT 2025.

Miami Dade College marked a milestone this month by hosting its first-ever Student AI Showcase at the Wolfson Campus, spotlighting student creativity and technical skill across fields like machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing.

The event highlighted not just AI projects, but the evolution of STEM education at MDC, where students engage directly with real-world challenges. Pedro Santos Acosta, Executive Director of Emerging Technologies, captured the event's spirit, stating,

“The AI Student Showcase is a bold reminder that the future isn't something we wait for - it's something we build.”

MDC's AI programs, offering pathways from certificates to bachelor's degrees, are designed to be inclusive for both new and returning learners, illustrating the college's commitment to accessible tech education.

Recent recognition in the EDUCAUSE Horizon Report underscores MDC's leadership in embedding AI into the curriculum through initiatives like the AIBIS project.

For more details on the showcase and its role in Miami's booming tech ecosystem, check WLRN's coverage of the MDC AI Student Showcase and the official MDC event listing.

This showcase not only inspires the next generation of technologists in Hialeah but also cements Miami Dade College's position as a leader shaping the future of AI in education and workforce development.

Florida International University (FIU) graduates are increasingly driving Miami's transformation into a top global tech hotspot, with city leaders and industry stakeholders highlighting their ever-growing impact.

Mayor Francis Suarez, himself an FIU alumnus, recently underscored the university's central role in producing a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of powering local expansion and meeting the demands of a flourishing innovation ecosystem.

As Suarez put it,

“This is why universities are so important, because they develop the most precious asset that you have in a community, which is your people. It's that simple.”

FIU's dynamic programs - including the Tech Talent Academy, CodePath collaboration, and bustling StartUP FIU - have contributed to Miami's meteoric rise, with the city now ranking 16th among startup ecosystems worldwide and attracting $4.6 billion in venture capital in 2024.

Students regularly engage in workshops and accelerators like the Vision to Venture bootcamp and Business Innovation and Growth Accelerator, preparing them for both employment and entrepreneurship.

The following table shows key figures underpinning Miami's surge:

With student-led initiatives winning accolades in competitions and fostering startups, FIU continually supplies the talent and ideas that accelerate South Florida's tech-driven future.

For more insights, explore Mayor Francis Suarez's vision for FIU grads in Mayor Francis Suarez's vision for Miami's tech movement, learn about FIU's hands-on entrepreneurship bootcamp Vision to Venture entrepreneurship bootcamp at FIU, and discover StartUP FIU's impact on local innovation at StartUP FIU's official site.

In response to a surge of AI-driven impersonation scams across South Florida - costing Floridians over $12 million in reported losses last year - Barry University is prioritizing AI literacy and ethics with the launch of its new AI Center in Miami Shores.

The initiative follows a spate of sophisticated frauds, including deepfake videos used to impersonate local officials and real estate professionals, typically targeting unsuspecting residents through texts, calls, and emails.

As highlighted by Bogdan Daraban, Vice-Provost of Technology Innovation and Education at Barry University,

“Unfortunately nefarious uses of this technology will continue to proliferate. It is a powerful technology… It all starts with awareness and education.”

The AI Center aims to equip students with both practical training and a solid understanding of ethical AI use - addressing an urgent need as scammers exploit generative tools across many sectors.

Real estate has been a notable target, with deepfakes enabling “seller” impersonation and fraudulent transactions; industry experts estimate generative AI could increase U.S. fraud losses by 32% annually, reaching $40 billion by 2027.

For a deeper look into Barry's new initiative, visit the official announcement of Barry University's AI Center.

To better understand the evolving threat of deepfake-driven property fraud, review these AI-driven real estate fraud insights and protective tips.

Explore the broader local impact and law enforcement guidance by reading about the rise of AI scam calls and impersonation frauds in South Florida.

Staying informed, vigilant, and educated is crucial as AI's dual-use potential continues to shape both opportunity and risk.

This month, the University of Miami School of Law broke new ground with its inaugural AI Lawyering Competition and Conference, hosted by the Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab.

Designed to bridge theory and real-world legal challenges, the event featured a two-phase student competition in which teams from four Florida law schools created AI-driven legal solutions such as due diligence documents and automated client intake agents, with the University of Miami securing first place.

Industry experts and legal leaders led panel discussions and workshops on prompt engineering, AI ethics, and future trends in legal practice. As Interim Dean Patricia Abril emphasized, embracing AI in law demands “urgency, agility, humility, and collaboration,” while Judge Lisa Walsh reminded participants,

“AI can never justify laziness. It cannot replace dedication, immersion, brainstorming, emotion, or your unique genius.”

The MiLA Lab also announced several cutting-edge legal tech tools, including Bluebook AI for citation automation, ClassInsight for classroom analytics, and AEGIS for ensuring AI-driven confidentiality.

For further details about this pioneering event, read the official conference coverage inside Miami Law's pioneering AI competition and conference, a broader overview of how AI is shaping legal education in the AI Lawyering: Prompting Legal Solutions - The Future of AI and Law report, and the MiLA Lab's recognition as Innovator of the Year Finalists by the Daily Business Review.

The competition signals Miami Law's role at the forefront of legal innovation and responsible AI integration in legal education and practice.

Bliss Aesthetics, the brainchild of celebrity surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer (“Dr. Miami”), has secured $17.5 million in seed funding to drive the expansion of its AI-powered cosmetic surgery platform across the U.S. Backed by Shine Capital, Synchrony Ventures, and others, Bliss leverages generative AI - including Stable Diffusion and advanced computer vision models - to let patients realistically visualize potential results and connect with board-certified surgeons, while also simplifying access to financing partners for elective procedures.

The platform, now available in six states, has achieved a 500% growth in its provider network since launch, and clinics using Bliss report that patient conversion rates have doubled from 40% to 80% thanks to enhanced transparency and better-informed decision-making.

Industry experts note that the global aesthetic medicine market is projected to reach $200 billion within the next decade, with demand from men rising sharply.

As Bliss CEO Gal Yosef explains,

“By combining intelligent matchmaking with AI tools, we equip patients to make informed, confident, and financially savvy decisions and give doctors the ability to deliver better outcomes to more patients with less administrative burden.”

For a closer look at the company's features and impact, see the detailed coverage on how Bliss Aesthetics is transforming the patient experience with AI, review the official funding announcement at Bliss Aesthetics' $17.5M round for its AI-powered cosmetic surgery platform, and explore market and platform specifics in Bliss Aesthetics' vision to revolutionize digital-first cosmetic care.

The table below summarizes key data points shaping this innovation:

Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach is setting a new standard for patient care by deploying the Artisight AI-driven smart hospital platform across 160 inpatient rooms, bringing virtual nursing and advanced monitoring to the forefront of healthcare innovation.

This technology leverages computer vision and a centralized command center to enable 24/7 remote patient oversight, swift audio-video communication, and proactive incident prevention, such as falls.

As Dr. Alon Weizer, Chief Medical Officer, notes,

“The fusing of Artisight into our nurses' day-to-day schedule not only helps make the hospital run more efficiently, but also allows for patients to have a smoother experience and for our nurses to experience less burnout. It's a great piece of innovation that betters the workflow, reduces the administrative burden, and ultimately improves our patient care.”

By automating essential but time-consuming tasks - like discharge planning, admission assessments, and documentation - Artisight frees nurses to dedicate more time to direct patient interaction, boosting both staff productivity and satisfaction.

For a deeper dive into Artisight's impact and local rollout, read the South Florida Hospital News feature on Artisight at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Additionally, as covered by the NewsBreak report on AI-driven Artisight technology enhancing patient care, this initiative is anticipated to elevate patient satisfaction and personalize care experiences well beyond South Florida.

For background on how Mount Sinai is further integrating AI to optimize hospital operations and outcomes, see their broader AI innovation initiatives highlighted through their international collaborations.

Papa Johns is transforming the South Florida pizza scene by spearheading an AI-driven partnership with Google Cloud, launching the PJX innovation team to anticipate customer cravings, streamline deliveries, and elevate guest experiences.

Using advanced tools like Google BigQuery, Vertex AI, and generative models such as Gemini, PJX is enabling proactive order suggestions, hyper-personalized loyalty rewards, and real-time marketing promotions - moving from responding to orders to anticipating each customer's unique needs.

“Our partnership with Google Cloud will enable us to take personalization to the next level. We're not just reacting to orders - we're anticipating needs and creating truly joyful pizza experiences.” - Todd Penegor, President and CEO, Papa Johns

Key operational upgrades include a cloud-based point-of-sale system for AI-powered dispatching and route optimization, alongside an always-on chatbot and plans for AI voice ordering in the app.

These advances aim to boost order frequency, reduce service costs, and ensure seamless, efficient pizza nights across Hialeah and the greater Miami region. For a comprehensive look at Papa Johns' AI-powered customer journey, read the official partnership announcement from Papa Johns and Google Cloud, explore an in-depth tech analysis at QSR Magazine's report on Papa Johns AI innovation, and learn about the operational impact and AI features in this Nation's Restaurant News feature on the new digital strategy.

Infobip's latest data reveals a remarkable surge in AI-powered messaging across South Florida during Cyber Week 2024, highlighting significant shifts in consumer and business communication.

Total platform interactions soared 41% compared to 2023, reaching an unprecedented 11.6 billion, with SMS, email, and WhatsApp contributing 5.5 billion of those messages and email usage alone nearly doubling year-over-year.

Notably, Rich Communication Services (RCS) interactions leapt 349%, propelled by Apple's adoption of RCS in iOS 18, leading to a 14-fold uptick in North America and transforming how retailers engage with customers.

This shift is part of a broader evolution towards integrated, AI-driven conversational experiences, where Infobip's AI Hub streamlines journeys across multiple channels for finance, retail, and e-commerce sectors, achieving results such as a 10% click-through rate from RCS-based chatbots and a 65% reduction in data collection time for health platforms.

As Ivan Ostojić, Chief Business Officer at Infobip, notes,

“Our data confirms our predictions that RCS would become a critical channel for businesses and brands this year as they sought to deliver rich, personal and conversational experiences for their customers.”

For a detailed breakdown of these trends, AI adoption strategies, and industry snapshots, see the in-depth Messaging Trends Report 2025.

To understand the impact of record Cyber Week communications and RCS growth in retail, visit Yahoo Finance's summary of Infobip's results.

Finally, for practical examples and key customer outcomes from AI-powered messaging in North America, access Infobip's official news update detailing Cyber Week's communications trends.

Barry University is setting a new benchmark for AI education and ethical training with its newly launched AI Center, which integrates artificial intelligence across all academic disciplines to ensure every student, regardless of major, gains hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and industry-relevant strategies.

The center's initiatives go beyond technical instruction, as ethics is woven into the curriculum through courses exploring AI bias, privacy, security, and responsible practices - a critical focus in today's rapidly evolving digital era.

As Vice-Provost Bogdan Daraban explains,

“Unfortunately nefarious uses of this technology will continue to proliferate. It is a powerful technology. It all starts with awareness and education. It is very important for us to understand at a fundamental level how this technology operates and what it is capable of doing.”

Students can earn a 9-credit AI certificate, participate in real-world consulting projects via the Digital Transformation Lab (DX Lab), and attend events such as hackathons and expert panels.

The university's approach is informed by the increasing importance of AI competency, as well as the need for integrity in fields ranging from healthcare to business.

The following table highlights key features of Barry's AI Center and related academic programs:

As noted in BizJournals' coverage of the AI Center launch, this innovative model aims to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow; meanwhile, the latest research on AI in edtech underscores the need for ethical and privacy safeguards - an ethos central to Barry's vision.

Learn more about how Barry is leading in AI training and ethical standards by visiting their AI Center information page.

As national AI policies accelerate and capital surges into tech startups, Miami and Hialeah are securing their positions at the forefront of the U.S. innovation landscape.

A groundbreaking executive order recently signed by President Trump signals a decisive federal push for comprehensive AI education and workforce development, emphasizing public-private partnerships, K-12 integration, and registered apprenticeships, as detailed in this Ogletree Deakins analysis of AI education executive order.

This national strategy dovetails with local realities: South Florida startups raised an impressive $900 million across 67 deals in Q1 2025, positioning Miami 8th in the nation for venture capital and 16th globally for startup ecosystems, according to the Miami Startups Funding Report for 2025.

Meanwhile, global AI investment is at an all-time high - with over half of U.S. VC deals now AI-focused and landmark rounds by OpenAI and others fueling talent and technology pipelines, as highlighted in the Crunchbase Q1 2025 Startup Investing Report.

Miami's multicultural ties, expanding venture capital base, and education initiatives are transforming the region from a “sunshine destination” into a strategic AI and tech hub - where both global investors and local technologists shape the future.

“This is more than an economic development project - it's a global statement that Florida is ready to lead in innovation.” - Michael Simas, Florida Council of 100

As these forces converge, Miami and Hialeah are not just reflecting broader tech trends - they are charting them, proving decisive in America's quest for AI leadership and inclusive economic growth.