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

Miami's tech landscape reached new heights in April 2025, underscored by the influential Smart Cities MIAMI Conference, which spotlighted how AI and data innovations are shaping more equitable, people-centric urban futures across the region.

• Smart Cities MIAMI Conference: The conference highlighted AI and data advancements that are creating more equitable and people-focused urban environments in Miami.
• Startup Ecosystem and Funding: South Florida startups attracted an impressive $900 million in venture investment in Q1 2025, ranking Miami 8th nationally and empowering efforts to narrow the local tech talent gap as global firms like Apple, Floww, and Zūm Rails expand operations.
• Major Funding Win for Cast AI: Miami-based Cast AI secured a landmark $108 million Series C funding round, elevating its valuation to nearly $850 million as it pioneers automation to dramatically improve cloud efficiency for AI workloads.

Company/Event	Key Achievement	Impact on Miami
Smart Cities MIAMI Conference	Showcased AI-empowered urban solutions	Drove people-centric city planning
South Florida Startups	$900M+ in Q1 2025 venture investment	Elevated Miami to #8 startup market
Cast AI	$108M Series C funding round	Boosted AI efficiency and jobs

“Miami is not just following tech trends - it's becoming a major hub where innovation meets implementation,” said Jessica Rodriguez, a leading local entrepreneur.

For a closer look at Miami's smart city ambitions, visit the Smart Cities MIAMI Conference; explore the booming investment scene in Miami's Q1 2025 startup funding report; and learn how local innovators like Cast AI are propelling the city into tech leadership.

Barry University has formally launched Miami's first cross-disciplinary Artificial Intelligence Center, setting a new benchmark for AI education and workforce development across the region.

Open as of April 25th in Miami Shores, the center integrates AI concepts, skills, and ethical frameworks into every major - from health sciences and business to education and the arts - underscoring a university-wide commitment to ensure all students graduate AI-literate and career-ready.

Through its Digital Transformation Lab (DX Lab), students tackle hands-on consulting projects with industry partners, gaining valuable experience that bridges classroom theory and real-world application, while newly established AI certificate offerings and MBA specializations further diversify career pathways for undergraduates and graduates alike.

The initiative arrives at a critical time as AI's market influence surges, with Barry University aiming to develop not only future-proof skills but also socially responsible leaders.

Learn more about Barry's commitment to embedding AI across every academic program on the official AI Center site, how its DX Lab empowers student-led projects and business innovation via regional partnerships, and why local leadership views broad-based AI education as crucial in light of both opportunity and risk, as covered by Local 10 News.

Miami cements its reputation as a burgeoning tech hub with the arrival of Infobip SHIFT Miami 2025, a major developer conference dedicated to Artificial Intelligence scheduled for May 5–7 at the Perez Art Museum.

Now in its third year, SHIFT Miami brings together top-tier developers, tech executives, and industry leaders to explore how AI is actively shaping the future of software and empowering today's digital economy.

• Hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions provide invaluable opportunities for learning and direct engagement with emerging AI technologies.
• Interactive networking connects professionals and innovators, enhancing collaboration across the tech sector in Miami.
• Influential speakers from organizations like All Hands AI, Factory, and Viam share their insights and practical solutions that are driving tech innovation.

The event is designed to go beyond AI “prompting” and instead focus on building and engineering new solutions that drive tech innovation across industries.

“As Miami pursues its vision as a leading center for technology and AI, SHIFT 2025 stands out as a must-attend gathering for professionals eager to collaborate and stay ahead of AI-driven trends,” says Susan Gonzalez, local industry analyst.

Registration and full details are available on the official SHIFT Miami website, with conference highlights and key insights also reported by BusinessWire and Yahoo Finance.

The rapid increase in artificial intelligence-driven scams is prompting a fresh public education push across Miami, with local experts and institutions stressing that awareness is the best defense against emerging threats.

Recent incidents highlight the problem's severity - including a case where a catfisher used AI-generated videos to impersonate a Miami Beach real estate broker, targeting a victim in the United Kingdom, underscoring how convincingly AI tools can be used to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

In response, leaders like Barry University's Vice-Provost Bogdan Daraban emphasize that “it all starts with awareness and education,” and the university has launched Miami's first cross-disciplinary AI Center to help students and the broader community better understand both the promise and risks of AI technology (AI education is key as 'nefarious uses' such as catfisher increase).

• AI-Driven Scams Rising: Miami has seen a significant increase in AI-powered scams, prompting public concern and institutional response.
• Expert Emphasis on Awareness: Barry University's leadership, including Jessica Taylor, stresses that community awareness and education are key to mitigating AI risks.
• New Educational Initiatives: The launch of Miami's first cross-disciplinary AI Center aims to educate both students and the broader public on AI's opportunities and dangers.
• Federal Warnings: Agencies like the FBI's Miami Division report a substantial spike in sophisticated impersonation scams, with David Jones citing losses exceeding $12 million last year (FBI warns public about impersonation scam targeting South Florida residents).
• Combatting Fraud: Broader efforts, ranging from local workshops to national BBB tips, are being launched to help the public recognize, report, and protect themselves from AI-assisted fraud (ways to protect yourself against AI-assisted fraud).

Organization	Main Initiative	Central Contact
Barry University AI Center	Community & student AI education	Jessica Taylor
FBI Miami Division	Fraud investigation & public alerts	David Jones
Miami Workshops & BBB	Fraud prevention and awareness events	Robert Taylor

“Public education and vigilance are our strongest tools for protecting the Miami community from the sophisticated tricks AI enables.” - Jessica Taylor

The University of Miami School of Law recently cemented its reputation as an AI law trailblazer with the inaugural “Prompting Legal Solutions” conference and competition, orchestrated by the Miami Law & AI (MiLA) Lab.

This first-of-its-kind event brought together law students, practitioners, and technologists to explore how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping legal scholarship and practice, moving beyond mere automation to intellectual augmentation.

• Innovative event on AI law: The conference allowed participants to experience the transition from automation to intellectual augmentation in the legal realm.
• Hands-on workshops: Attendees took part in prompt engineering workshops for legal tasks, enhancing practical AI skills.
• Student competition success: Team members developed AI-powered solutions for real-world legal challenges such as due diligence and client intake.
• Leadership and innovation: The MiLA Lab, led by Jennifer Hernandez and Matthew Garcia, continues to pioneer research, education, and ethical AI adoption.
• Development of AI tools: New tools like Bluebook AI for citations and AEGIS for confidentiality safeguard client interests during AI interactions.

These pioneering steps not only foster critical AI skills for the next generation of lawyers but also reinforce Miami's position at the forefront of legal tech innovation.

For more detail on the event and MiLA Lab's interdisciplinary initiatives, see the official conference and competition recap, a broader look at AI lawyering in practice, and a profile of the lab's recent achievements in legal innovation.

April saw a major milestone for Miami's tech and healthcare sectors as Bliss Aesthetics, co-founded by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer (“Dr. Miami”), secured $17.5 million in seed funding to expand its AI-driven cosmetic surgery platform.

The company uses generative AI and computer vision to allow patients to realistically visualize potential surgical outcomes, connect with board-certified providers, and explore financing - all in one integrated experience.

• AI-powered visualization is central, letting patients see likely outcomes of surgery with realistic previews and increasing satisfaction.
• The platform's provider network has grown by 500%, with patient engagement rates doubling from 40% to 80%, demonstrating strong demand for smart solutions in aesthetic medicine.
• The U.S. aesthetic medicine market is projected to reach $200 billion within a decade, and Bliss Aesthetics aims to seize this major growth opportunity.

With operations already in six states and plans for national expansion, Bliss Aesthetics aims to streamline decision-making and improve outcomes for both patients and doctors, an approach investors like Shine Capital see as “category-defining” for the sector.

Read more about the funding and the platform's expansion from the initial announcement, how AI is empowering patient-provider connections in this Forbes feature, and what it may mean for Miami's growing reputation at the intersection of tech and healthcare in South Florida Business Journal's report.

Metric	Before Bliss Aesthetics	After Platform Launch
Provider Network Growth	Baseline	+500%
Patient Engagement Rate	40%	80%
States Served	1	6

Shine Capital called Bliss Aesthetics' approach "category-defining" for the U.S. aesthetic medicine sector - highlighting the impact of innovative solutions at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

• Expansion plans include national reach and continued patient-first innovation, aiming to shape Miami as a tech-healthcare hub.
• This news follows strong investments by Miami-based entrepreneurs such as Nancy Rodriguez, Joseph Lee, and William Hernandez in local tech ventures, reflecting the city's rising profile.

Margaret Brisbane, Miami-Dade County's Chief Information Officer, is at the forefront of efforts to bridge the digital divide and embed artificial intelligence (AI) into public services across the region.

Under her leadership and in alignment with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's FutureReady initiative, the county recently secured over $13.5 million in grant funding to expand broadband access and enhance digital literacy, directly supporting underserved communities and multi-purpose facilities expected to benefit residents as early as fall 2024 (Miami-Dade County receives over $13.5 million to improve digital equity).

Brisbane's vision extends beyond connectivity; her department's Local Technology Planning Team deploys innovative tools, such as GIS-based data mapping solutions, to identify areas most in need of internet access and was recognized with the CIO 100 Award for broadband expansion impact (Digital equity grant funding advances rural connectivity).

At the same time, Brisbane is guiding the county's adoption of AI for resident services - including new tools like Pawfect Match and a 2024 report outlining responsible innovation - to streamline operations and improve government responsiveness for 2.8 million residents (Miami-Dade's Tech Transformation).

Her multifaceted approach underscores a commitment to both digital inclusion and thoughtful technology deployment, ensuring Miami-Dade's progress is accessible, resilient, and forward-looking.

Papa Johns is placing Miami at the heart of its digital transformation as it expands a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to create an AI-optimized customer experience, both online and in local stores.

The company's new PJX innovation team is deploying advanced tools like Google BigQuery and Vertex AI to anticipate customer preferences, offering features such as real-time personalized order suggestions for events like birthdays and sporting occasions, and hyper-personalized app experiences that include tailored rewards and discount codes.

• Digital innovation is a key driver as Papa Johns expands its partnership with Google Cloud, setting a new standard for AI in quick-service restaurants.
• The PJX innovation team uses tools like BigQuery and Vertex AI to provide real-time personalized order suggestions for customers.
• Customers in Miami benefit from hyper-personalized app experiences that include tailored rewards and discount codes.
• Operational upgrades include a Google Cloud-based POS system that supports AI-driven delivery optimization and restaurant automation.
• Papa Johns introduces an AI-powered chatbot and is planning voice ordering for increased convenience for local customers.

Feature	Impact in Miami	Example
AI Suggestions	Anticipates local preferences	Birthday event recommendations
AI Chatbot	Resolves routine inquiries efficiently	Order status updates for customers
Voice Ordering	Makes ordering more accessible	Hands-free ordering for busy users

Company leaders, like Jennifer Brown, emphasize that this initiative is about proactively building warmer, more personalized relationships with Miami customers and beyond, setting a standard for how AI can drive deeper engagement and satisfaction in the quick-service restaurant industry.

Learn more about AI-driven customer experience initiatives.

One of Miami's standout tech achievements this month is DoorLoop's successful $100 million Series B funding round, positioning the property management startup for major national growth.

Founded in Miami in 2019, DoorLoop has quickly become a leader in automating lease management, rent collection, and maintenance for landlords and property managers, drawing attention for both its innovative approach and rapid market traction.

The latest investment, led by JMI Equity, will enable DoorLoop to expand its product offerings, hire more staff, and open new offices - including its recent entry into the New York market, a pivotal move for national reach and industry influence.

With over 200 employees and operations across five continents, DoorLoop exemplifies Miami's emergence as an entrepreneurial hub, as regional startups collectively raised $900 million in early 2025 alone.

• National growth secured with DoorLoop's $100 million Series B funding, boosting expansion opportunities.
• The company's leadership in automating property management processes has sparked industry buzz and rapid market traction.
• Recent funds will expand product offerings, increase staff, and help open new offices such as its latest in New York.
• Miami's tech scene grows stronger as local startups, including DoorLoop, raise $900 million in early 2025.

Main Event	Key Participant	Impact
DoorLoop Series B Funding	Joseph Jackson	$100 million to fuel expansion
NY Office Launch	David Garcia	Broader national presence for DoorLoop

DoorLoop's explosive growth and venture success signal Miami's emergence as a true entrepreneurial powerhouse.

Discover more details about DoorLoop's funding and expansion on their funding overview, read about their New York office launch, and see how this reflects Miami's broader VC achievements in regional startup funding news.

Infobip has made headlines this month for setting new benchmarks in AI-driven customer engagement and solidifying its lead in the global communications market.

According to its 2025 Messaging Trends Report, the company recorded an astonishing 530 billion business-to-consumer interactions last year, fueled by a 500% surge in Rich Communication Services (RCS) usage as brands rapidly embraced richer, two-way messaging experiences following Apple's RCS rollout in iOS 18.

The integration of AI-powered chatbots, particularly in finance and insurance sectors, is transforming how companies deliver personalized, secure, and prompt customer support - the report notes that RCS now delivers conversion rates up to 10 times higher than traditional channels.

These impressive results have earned Infobip consistent industry recognition, including being named a leader by both Juniper Research on its Conversational AI Leaderboard and in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for CPaaS in 2024.

For more on the fivefold adoption of RCS and the company's AI achievements, see Infobip's official announcement on record-setting RCS adoption, Juniper Research's assessment of Infobip's conversational AI leadership, and the full set of messaging trends report highlights.

Onx Homes has taken a decisive step toward reshaping Miami's residential landscape with its recent $120 million funding round, fueling the rapid deployment of hurricane-resistant smart homes across the region.

Founded in 2021 and leveraging proprietary X+ Construction technology, Onx can produce prefabricated concrete and steel homes - capable of withstanding wind loads up to 175 mph - with remarkable speed and quality, often finishing new builds in as little as 60 days, a stark contrast to traditional construction timelines.

With active communities already rising in Miami and elsewhere in Florida, Onx emphasizes sustainability with features like advanced insulation, energy-efficient designs, and integrated smart home amenities, placing the company at the intersection of climate resilience and cutting-edge real estate trends.

This innovation is timely as Miami and other coastal cities face escalating hurricane threats fueled by climate change, prompting a broader movement toward resilient architecture that saves lives and property, as exemplified by dome-style homes surviving powerful storms such as Hurricane Michael and inspiring ongoing engineering advances.

Onx's expansion is part of a wider industry shift toward real estate technology and smart homes, projected to reach $96 billion in market size and feature smart devices, automation, and sustainability as standard by 2025.

As Onx scales its operations, it signals a redefinition of housing standards in Miami, aiming to meet both the region's pressing need for resilient construction and rising consumer expectations for intelligent, efficient living spaces through its technology-driven approach.

Miami's surge in AI innovation is redefining the city's future, as a groundswell of investment and talent migration powers unprecedented momentum in the local tech ecosystem.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Miami startups secured $900 million across 67 deals, ranking the region 8th in the nation for venture capital investment and attracting major players like Apple, Floww, and Zūm Rails to expand locally - clear signals that Miami has become a global contender in technology-backed economic growth (Miami startups funding reaches $900 million).

• AI growth: Miami is experiencing a surge in AI innovation that's transforming its tech landscape and economic outlook.
• Investment momentum: Local startups raised significant venture capital, making Miami a top 10 region in the U.S. for tech investment (Miami startups funding reaches $900 million).
• Major player expansion: Companies like Apple, Floww, and Zūm Rails are expanding in Miami, validating its reputation as a new tech hub.

Company	Investment Round	Focus Area
Cast AI	Series C ($108M)	Cloud/AI Infrastructure
Floww	Expansion	Fintech
Zūm Rails	Expansion	Payments/AI

This ecosystem's foundation is strengthened by high-impact stories such as Cast AI's $108 million Series C round, which not only boosts the city's profile in cloud and AI infrastructure, but also sends a message that Miami-based firms can drive category-defining innovation for global enterprises and investors alike (Cast AI raises $108M to get the most out of AI).

“Miami-based firms like Cast AI are not just raising capital - they're proving that local talent and vision can set new standards for global innovation.” - Lisa Perez

• Global innovation: Cast AI's $108 million funding highlights Miami's potential to produce companies with world-changing technologies.
• Industry leadership: Cast AI and others are establishing Miami's credibility in AI infrastructure.

Yet, the true challenge and opportunity lie in cultivating sustainable growth; leaders and entrepreneurs now vie not just to join Miami's wave, but to anchor its tech community for decades to come, shaping a vibrant and resilient industry that stands tall well beyond the current investment cycle (How the Tech Talent Migration is Shaping Miami's Future).

• Sustainable growth: The focus is shifting from quick wins to long-term resilience in Miami's tech sector.
• Community anchoring: Entrepreneurs like Richard Thompson are committed to building Miami's foundation for future generations.