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

Jacksonville's AI and tech ecosystem is accelerating, buoyed by heightened C-suite engagement - 81% of leaders now directly oversee AI initiatives, according to the 2025 State of AI Infrastructure Report.

While 75% of organizations are enthusiastic about AI adoption and 71% are confident in their roadmaps, challenges persist: skills shortages in AI infrastructure management jumped to 61%, and 55% of leaders report greater cyber risks.

Despite these hurdles, the region is home to over 140 innovative AI companies and a steady rise in AI-focused startup funding - with Jacksonville's own OnePlanet and Reco among the recently funded tech startups in 2025.

A recent GoodFirms review of top Florida AI firms also reflects the state's fast-growing sector.

As the pressure to align AI ambition with infrastructure grows, Flexential CEO Chris Downie notes:

“AI is now a cornerstone of business operations...Organizations bridging ambition with execution will lead the market.”

This environment provides fertile ground for aspiring tech professionals - like those at Nucamp Bootcamp and its CEO Ludo Fourrage - to upskill and enter high-demand roles in software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI-driven entrepreneurship.

FIS, the Jacksonville-based financial technology leader, is setting the national standard for fraud protection with AI-powered innovations recognized by industry awards and global research alike.

According to the new “Harmony Gap” study published with Oxford Economics, 78% of business and technology leaders worldwide report that implementing artificial intelligence has demonstrably improved fraud detection and risk management, with 56% scaling or fully implementing AI and 45% planning to increase investments further over the next two years.

However, widespread adoption faces barriers such as high integration costs (73%), lack of in-house AI expertise (64%), and tech compatibility issues (58%). The company's drive for excellence was further highlighted when FIS's generative AI Treasury GPT tool and Integrity Edition solution recently won major honors at the 2025 Treasury Management International Awards, underscoring their impact on real-time risk mitigation and cash management according to the FIS-Oxford Economics research release.

FIS's ongoing partnership with Stratyfy is another leap forward, using machine learning to achieve higher fraud detection accuracy and lower false positives for card transactions (with fraud projected to cost businesses over $40 billion annually by 2027), as highlighted in their AI-driven fraud detection collaboration announcement.

As CTO Firdaus Bhathena explained,

“As threat actors adopt AI to commit fraud, it becomes increasingly important for businesses to employ AI to combat these sophisticated threats … Overcoming these barriers and harnessing AI's potential requires strategic investment, rigorous cybersecurity, empowered employees and strong leadership.”

See key AI adoption metrics and challenges in the table below, and explore FIS's ongoing transformation for finance security via the full Harmony Gap report.

Metric	Percentage (%)
Reported AI improved fraud detection & risk management	78
Scaling or fully implementing AI	56
Plan to increase AI investment (2 years)	45
Barriers: High implementation/maintenance costs	73
Barriers: Lack of in-house AI expertise	64
Barriers: Integration with existing systems	58

Duos Edge AI, a subsidiary of Jacksonville-based Duos Technologies Group, is accelerating its mission to close America's digital divide with plans to deploy 15 modular Edge Data Centers (EDCs) by year-end 2025, primarily targeting underserved communities across Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast.

Through its partnership with U.S. distributor Accu-Tech, Duos ensures resilient, domestic-led manufacturing and rapid 90-day deployment - already commercially identifying at least nine sites.

These edge facilities are designed with SOC 2 Type II compliance, N+1 architecture, dual backup generators, and the capacity to deliver over 100 kW per cabinet, serving as digital hubs within 12 miles of users to support real-time applications for education, healthcare, emergency services, and AI development.

As explained by President Doug Recker,

“Through our partnership with Accu-Tech, we are executing with speed, precision, and reliability. We've commercially identified at least nine EDC placements and are finalizing real estate and contractual agreements across multiple markets. These facilities will serve as high-density, resilient digital hubs that support education, emergency services, AI development, and more - right where they're needed most.”

The initiative's impact is already manifesting in Victoria, Texas, where Duos Edge AI and Region 3 ESC are expanding connectivity for 37 regional school districts, a milestone covered in their Victoria EDC launch announcement.

For further details on deployment goals, technical architecture, and the community-focused mission behind this $43B edge computing market push, visit the official Duos Edge AI 2025 press release.

Metric	Details
2025 Deployment Target	15 Edge Data Centers across TX, Midwest, Southeast
Identified Locations	9 sites (agreements in progress)
Deployment Speed	90 days per site
Tech Specs	SOC 2 Type II, N+1, dual generators, >100kW/cabinet
Primary Use Cases	Education, healthcare, emergency services, AI workloads

Jacksonville-based Duos Technologies has solidified its national presence with a record-setting $42 million, two-year Asset Management Agreement (AMA) with Fortress Investment Group to manage a fleet of 30 mobile gas-powered turbines boasting a combined 850-megawatt capacity - enough to power critical data centers and infrastructure across the U.S. and abroad.

As part of this transformative deal, Duos not only adds a consistent revenue stream but secures a 5% equity stake in the parent company that owns these assets.

The turbines, sourced from APR Energy and deployable within weeks, allow rapid response to surging data center and AI hyperscaler energy demands, drastically outpacing the multi-year timelines of traditional infrastructure.

CEO Chuck Ferry stated,

"Our customers are looking for flexible and dependable energy options as they build out critical infrastructure. These assets, coupled with our operational excellence, provide a pathway to meet these demands without the delays or constraints of traditional energy sources."

Industry analysts predict this agreement will accelerate Duos's path to profitability in FY2025 and cement its role as a key player at the intersection of power generation and next-generation digital infrastructure.

For more, see the full announcement on the Duos Technologies press release, strategic deal insights from StockTitan financial coverage, and summary highlights from GlobeNewswire.

Metric	Details
Contract Value	$42 million (2 years)
Power Capacity Managed	850 MW from 30 mobile turbines
Equity Stake	5% in parent company owning the assets
Main Customer Sectors	Data centers; critical infrastructure

The University of Florida is set to make history in Jacksonville with the launch of Florida's first Master's in Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical and Health Sciences, anchoring an ambitious slate of graduate programs at its new LaVilla campus.

This unique degree will train students to leverage advanced AI technologies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness - positioning Jacksonville as a regional leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

Alongside AI, the campus will offer degrees in management, engineering, computer science, and law, with enrollment expected to quickly reach hundreds and ultimately over 1,500 students by 2030.

Jacksonville and the state have pledged over $200 million to the $300 million build-out, highlighting the city's commitment to high-tech workforce development and downtown revitalization.

As Dr. Nipa Shah from UF Health Jacksonville noted,

“We will then be able to be on the cutting edge,”

adding that integrating AI makes it easier for people to feel well, heal quickly, and prevent diseases.

Further bolstering this vision, UF's biomedical AI research is already winning national attention through doctoral fellowships that bridge machine learning and health sciences.

For a detailed program overview, see the official details on UF's new AI master's program, the city's long-term campus partnership and facility plans, and highlights of the latest UF biomedical AI research awards.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is making significant strides in tech workforce readiness by hosting a dynamic AI & Cybersecurity Workshop on June 9, 2025, at its Advanced Technology Center.

Designed to bring together students, educators, industry professionals, and community partners, the event features a keynote by Kevin Rush, Lead AI Trainer for the Intel® Digital Readiness Program, who will discuss the current state and future of AI in sectors such as healthcare, criminal justice, and cybersecurity, and provide a live coding demonstration of AI-driven security tools.

Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions with local experts, interactive workshops, industry vendor exhibits, networking, and guided tours of FSCJ's advanced information technology and engineering facilities.

In recognition of its excellence, FSCJ is a National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security-designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2030, highlighting its deep commitment to IT security education and community advancement (learn more about FSCJ's cybersecurity program).

For those interested in exploring the college's practical approach to emerging technologies, FSCJ offers dedicated resources and guides to generative AI adoption and best practices through its IT department (review FSCJ's AI resources).

As Dean of Information Technology Sha'Kia Riggins affirms,

“We're thrilled to welcome Kevin Rush and our community partners for a day of exploration and collaboration. This event demonstrates FSCJ's commitment to preparing our students for success in the technology-driven workforce of tomorrow.”

See event details and registration information at the official announcement for the FSCJ AI & Cybersecurity Workshop featuring Intel's Kevin Rush.

Jacksonville schools are ramping up security by rolling out AI-powered weapon detection cameras, providing an extra set of digital eyes to assist school resource officers and administrators with faster threat identification.

According to WBRC's report on Jacksonville Police's AI camera initiative, the new system - funded by a $115,000 grant - can recognize visible firearms and alert authorities within seconds, enhancing response times even in areas where officers aren't always present.

This move mirrors a growing trend in Florida and nationwide, as detailed by the News-Journal's coverage of Volusia County schools adopting similar AI-based gun detection software, which is currently deployed in at least ten other districts across the state.

However, experts caution that AI systems are not foolproof - while they help deter incidents and enable rapid notification, they can miss concealed weapons, issue false alarms, and require human oversight for accurate threat verification.

As reported in Education Week's in-depth analysis on AI weapon detection tech, a layered approach that combines technology, vigilant personnel, and effective protocols remains essential for truly robust school safety.

The following table summarizes recent AI weapons detection efforts in Florida schools:

District/City	AI Vendor	Number of Schools/Cameras	Key Features	Funding
Jacksonville	Undisclosed	District-wide (Expanding)	Rapid visible firearm detection, instant alert	$115,000 grant
Volusia County	ZeroEyes	~70 schools	AI overlays existing cameras, 3-5 sec alert	$150,000/3-year contract
Daytona Beach	ZeroEyes	24-25 cameras (public zones)	Monitored by trained analysts	Federal grant

“We're going to try and provide some technology on our school campuses that we think will help make our schools safer by notifying us if there's ever someone on campus and they're armed with a weapon.” - Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood

Jacksonville's port and logistics sector is aggressively embracing AI and automation to strengthen the region's competitiveness and adapt to shifting global trade dynamics.

Companies like Aqua Gulf Transport, headquartered in Jacksonville, are integrating AI-driven electronic logging systems, load consolidation, and intermodal routing, with President Sergio Sandrin highlighting their commitment “not only for internal efficiencies, but also for the quality of service and transparency for our customers.” Meanwhile, SSA Marine has completed a $72 million renovation at the Blount Island Terminal, rolling out automated cargo-sorting strategies and new crane control systems to speed truck turn times and optimize cargo flow as detailed in the Logistics Insights article on AI integration.

JAXPORT itself is leveraging new service partnerships to expand direct Asia and South America connectivity, and industry leaders emphasize the port's symbiotic relationship with the region's warehouse and industrial markets, underpinned by abundant land, transportation infrastructure, and workforce availability as explained in JAXPORT's strategic overview.

Furthermore, Jacksonville is home to HOLON's new $100 million autonomous vehicle manufacturing facility - Florida's first - poised to produce 5,000 emission-free shuttles annually and create over 800 jobs, demonstrating the region's leadership in both freight and mobility innovation.

The economic impacts of this development are outlined by JAXPORT.

These advancements, paired with new multi-cargo developments and AI-powered supply chain visibility tools, position Jacksonville as a dynamic logistics hub ready to seize opportunities from today's AI-driven transformation.

Baptist Health Jacksonville is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, piloting voice-enabled ambient AI documentation tools designed to streamline nurses' charting and documentation processes.

In collaboration with Microsoft and Epic Systems, the pilot employs the Rover mobile app, which records nurse–patient conversations, extracting key clinical information such as pain scores and placing it directly into the electronic health record (EHR) for nurse review and approval.

Early results at Baptist Medical Center South reveal a substantial 50% reduction in charting time, enabling nurses to spend more time at the patient's bedside and enhancing patient engagement and satisfaction.

As noted by Tammy Daniel, Baptist Health's Senior VP and Chief Nursing Officer, “Reducing documentation time through technology is crucial to retaining nurses” amid projected workforce shortages.

Erin Corbett, a participating nurse, emphasized the AI's positive impact, stating that, “the technology provided more bedside time with patients,” while maintaining rigorous data encryption and patient consent standards.

These advancements align with national trends in AI-assisted clinical workflows, as Epic expands its platform to over 300 health systems, shaping the future of healthcare and nurse retention through AI-powered documentation for nurses.

For a look at Baptist Health's local leadership and pilot impact, see this Jacksonville Business Journal article on AI assistants cutting nurse paperwork, and explore further details of Baptist Health's AI-enhanced patient care solution for nurses.

University of Florida researchers are raising significant alarm about the dangers of AI-generated deepfakes, revealing that new web-based tools can produce highly realistic, non-consensual explicit imagery with unprecedented speed and accessibility.

In one of the nation's largest studies, UF scientists found humans were only 73% accurate at distinguishing real from AI-manipulated audio - a rate that underscores vulnerabilities as deepfake scams and misinformation surge tenfold globally in just a year (listen to UF's deepfake detection study insights).

Their research, supported by the National Science Foundation, highlights how cheap and easy it is to fabricate intimate images - sometimes for only six cents per picture - with devastating consequences for victims' mental health and privacy.

Professor Kevin Butler warned,

“Anybody can do this. It's done on the web, often anonymously, and there's no meaningful enforcement of age or consent... These images aren't just created for amusement. They're used to embarrass, humiliate and even extort victims. The mental health toll can be devastating.”

The scope of harm is reflected in a 2025 Thorn survey of 1,200 young Americans, which found 41% had heard of deepfake nudes and 13% knew someone targeted, with 6% reporting personal victimization - while most also recognized deepfake nudes as serious abuse (see deepfake research among youth).

In response to these urgent threats, federal and state lawmakers are advancing bipartisan legislation, such as the TAKE IT DOWN Act, to prohibit nonconsensual AI-generated intimate content and require swift removal by online platforms (track national AI deepfake regulations).

The researchers' call to action is clear: effective solutions will depend on a combination of technical safeguards, legal reforms, and digital literacy to protect the most vulnerable.

Statistic	Rate/Finding
Heard of deepfake nudes	41% of youth
Know a targeted victim	13%
Personal victimization	6%
Global deepfake fraud increase (2022–2023)	10x

The passage of "Brooke's Law" in Florida marks a significant legal response to the rise of AI-generated deepfake abuse, a phenomenon that gained national attention after Jacksonville student Brooke Curry - a victim herself - advocated for reform.

At just 16, Curry became the target of a manipulated image, created by running her social media photo through an AI generator; the explicit deepfake quickly circulated online, leaving her humiliated and frustrated by the lack of effective reporting tools and slow removals from platforms.

Brooke's Law, sponsored by Rep. Wyman Duggan and Sen. Alexis Calatayud, now requires internet platforms to remove altered sexual depictions at the victim's request, or face civil penalties under Florida consumer protection statutes.

This targeted response addresses alarming statistics: 98% of deepfake videos online are pornographic, with 99% featuring women. As Curry herself testified,

“I think this law and bill is very important to spread awareness and take back control… because unfortunately for me, I did not have a way to report and get it taken down quickly enough.”

Brooke's Law in Florida is part of a broader movement, aligning with the federal Take It Down Act to combat nonconsensual explicit images, which criminalizes nonconsensual explicit images - including AI-generated content - and mandates speedy takedowns by platforms.

With over two dozen deepfake bills enacted in the U.S. this year alone and states developing varying standards for recourse and privacy, Florida is among those leading change by putting victims like Curry at the center of the legislative agenda.

For more on the specifics and policy background of deepfake laws in Florida, visit Ballotpedia's detailed overview of AI deepfake policy in Florida.

Jacksonville's AI-fueled future is accelerating, with local healthcare innovation and education initiatives gaining national attention. At the recent Innovation Summit: Southeast hosted by Baptist Health, leaders from across the country gathered to discuss digital health “moon shots,” spotlighting AI's role in care delivery, patient engagement, and workforce resilience.

Baptist Health's AI-powered projects that improved operating room efficiency by 25% over four years, and Jacksonville was highlighted for piloting Epic's ambient AI documentation - helping nurses reclaim time for patient care.

The University of North Florida is also leading in applied AI, with a professor's AI solution winning the 2025 Mayo Clinic Datathon and students tackling local challenges like the digital divide (UNF Newsroom on Artificial Intelligence breakthroughs).

These breakthroughs signal that the city's tech ecosystem - spanning clinics, classrooms, and civic initiatives - is poised to shape the next era of workforce-ready talent and healthcare transformation.

For aspiring technologists, Nucamp's Jacksonville bootcamps - including new programs focused on AI entrepreneurship and cybersecurity - offer practical pathways into this dynamic market, with flexible payment plans and scholarships supporting local access.

Jacksonville is charting an AI-powered future, combining industry partnerships, academic excellence, and accessible training to power both innovation and opportunity.