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

Palm Bay and the greater Florida region are surging ahead as pivotal hubs for artificial intelligence and tech innovation in 2025, anchored by transformative university-industry partnerships and an invigorated startup climate.

Florida Tech's new applied innovation hub, Vertex, bridges businesses, higher education, and government, fueling advanced AI solutions for engineering, agriculture, and beyond, as detailed in their Presidential Perspectives.

The region's strategic focus is backed by a $1.6 billion annual economic impact and a projected 112% growth in engineering and aerospace hiring on the Space Coast - amplified by the university's top employability ranking and early career pathways, outlined in Florida Tech partnerships strengthen the Space Coast.

Meanwhile, AI startups are rapidly scaling, from agricultural precision tools fighting pests to venture-backed platforms streamlining business operations, with Q1 2025 global AI funding reaching $113 billion and U.S. companies securing one-third of that sum, as reported in May's top AI startup funding deals.

This wave cements Florida's leadership in technology and workforce development, ensuring Palm Bay stands at the heart of the next wave of American tech advancement.

In a strategic move to bolster innovation in defense technology, Melbourne-based TSS Solutions has partnered with Mississippi State University (MSU) to jointly design, develop, and rapidly prototype cutting-edge AI and machine learning (AI-ML) solutions for military applications.

This collaboration unites TSS Solutions' expertise in defense electronics with MSU's strong research focus on artificial intelligence, recently showcased through major AI research initiatives and an NSF-funded $1.2 million grant for K-12 AI education.

The partnership launch was marked by meetings at TSS Solutions' World Headquarters, reinforcing the region's commitment to leveraging advanced AI capabilities for national security.

Notably, TSS Solutions was also recently awarded a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) to develop AI technologies for the Army and Department of Defense. According to one report, “the partners will develop prototypes and next-generation solutions for defense technology involving artificial intelligence and machine learning” (TSS Solutions and Mississippi State partner on AI-ML defense tech).

The partnership is further supported by MSU's broader research environment, including annual showcases like the Spring Research Celebration and initiatives to train students and teachers in AI ethics and technical skills (MSU receives $1.2M to advance AI education).

With TSS Solutions previously recognized as a Florida Company to Watch and assuming new leadership roles dedicated to engineering and production, this partnership is poised to accelerate defense technology advancements from Palm Bay.

For more details on TSS Solutions' recent awards and defense sector activity, visit the company's official news page (TSS Solutions news and updates).

Small businesses across Florida are accelerating their adoption of AI to drive growth and operational efficiency, as confirmed by several recent reports. According to GoDaddy's 2025 national survey, 66% of U.S. small business owners expect revenue growth in spite of ongoing economic uncertainty, with 72% of AI-adopting entrepreneurs reporting increased productivity and 61% enjoying higher revenues in just the past six months GoDaddy research on AI-driven small business growth.

Furthermore, AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo™ are credited with significant contributions to Florida's job market: each new website published with Airo sparks an average of 20 jobs per county, and microbusinesses overall now generate about seven jobs per entrepreneur - a leap from only two jobs five years prior Findings from GoDaddy's Q1 2025 Venture Forward report.

The table below summarizes key impacts:

AI-Driven Business Metric	Reported Impact
Productivity Increase	72% of AI-using small businesses
Revenue Growth	61% of AI-using small businesses
Jobs Created per New AI Website	20 jobs per county
Jobs Created per Microbusiness Entrepreneur	~7 jobs (up from 2 jobs in 2020)

Practical AI applications range from automated marketing and customer service to recruitment and risk monitoring.

Yet, 38% of owners still see a knowledge gap around AI, signaling opportunities for future education. As noted in the research,

“Small businesses using AI tools are transforming local economies through job creation,”

underscoring the technology's expanding role in Florida's local business landscape.

Dive deeper into GoDaddy's latest analysis of microbusiness and AI adoption at their Venture Forward report with UCLA Anderson.

Florida schools are moving swiftly to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms in response to President Donald Trump's April 2025 executive order, which established a sweeping federal framework supporting AI literacy and workforce readiness for young Americans.

The order directs federal agencies - led by a newly formed White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education - to prioritize teacher training, promote public-private partnerships, and increase access to AI courses, certification programs, and apprenticeships for high school students.

As outlined by GovTech's coverage of the executive order on AI education, the initiative funds new opportunities while launching the Presidential AI Challenge to recognize student and teacher innovation.

National and state experts have emphasized both the momentous scope and the practical hurdles schools face, including funding, training, and policy consistency.

“American classrooms must better align their activities to meet the demands of accelerating innovation and a rapidly changing workforce. The Trump administration will lead the way in training our educators to foster early and responsible AI education in our classrooms to keep up American leadership in the global economy,”

said Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

Despite enthusiasm, reports from Education Week's report on challenges in AI teacher training highlight that as of late 2024, 58% of teachers had not received professional development in AI, underscoring the challenges ahead.

Florida stands out for its rapid mobilization, with a dedicated K-12 AI Education Task Force and early AI pilot programs, as detailed in UF News' analysis likening this shift to the nation's original “Sputnik moment” in education.

Melbourne-based L3Harris Technologies has secured a $214 million contract to deliver advanced interoperable communication systems to the German armed forces under Germany's Digitalization – Land Based Operations (D-LBO) program, reinforcing the company's growing global presence in defense communications.

Central to the agreement is the supply of battle-tested Falcon radios featuring robust waveform technology, designed to improve operational efficiency and strengthen coalition interoperability for the Bundeswehr.

As part of a broader modernization effort, these radios will integrate seamlessly with Germany's evolving IT and tactical communication infrastructure, supporting critical command and control operations.

According to Sam Mehta, President of Communication Systems at L3Harris,

“Resilient and immediate communication among allies is crucial for countering threats posed by aggressive adversaries. We are proud to support our NATO ally with our trusted communications technology, which has demonstrated its value in the field by protecting soldiers and networks at the tactical edge.”

This win follows recent L3Harris contracts in the Netherlands and with the U.S. Army, signifying momentum for Falcon radios in the international defense market as detailed in the official L3Harris announcement.

The D-LBO deal further aligns with collaborative NATO initiatives and marks a major digital leap for Germany's land forces as reported by The Defense Post.

For a concise breakdown of the D-LBO program's scope and international context, see the coverage at Military Embedded Systems on L3Harris's SOF WEEK 2025 announcement.

Aspect	Details
Contract Value	$214 million
Program	Digitalization – Land Based Operations (D-LBO)
Key Technology	Falcon radios with robust waveform and interoperability

This month, Palm Bay Police harnessed the power of automatic license plate recognition (LPR) technology to successfully apprehend a violent crime suspect, underscoring how advanced surveillance tools are redefining public safety efforts across Florida.

Developed by Flock Safety, these LPR systems use a combination of high-resolution cameras, encrypted data storage, and real-time alerts to law enforcement, providing objective, actionable evidence that expedites investigations and enhances community protection.

According to Flock Safety, over 5,000 communities and 4,800+ agencies nationwide trust its city-wide platform to solve and deter crimes, boasting impressive statistics - including 100% homicide clearance rates in select jurisdictions and the recovery of stolen vehicles valued at over $1 million in a single city (see table below).

Yet, as adoption grows, privacy advocates - including the ACLU and experts at the Electronic Frontier Foundation - raise concerns about mass surveillance and data retention, advocating for tighter controls and community engagement.

As local news reports, citizens in Florida have expressed unease about widespread tracking, emphasizing the need for transparency and public dialogue.

Impact Metric	Result
Communities Secured	5,000+
Police Agency Partners	4,800+
Monthly Plate Reads	20 Billion+
Clearance Rate (Cobb County, GA)	100% Homicide Cases Cleared

Flock Safety's system stores encrypted plate data for 30 days and is accessible only to authorized officers, balancing investigative needs and privacy assurances.

To learn more about the technology's impact on investigations and public safety, visit Flock Safety's detailed license plate recognition camera insights, explore GovTech's recent coverage of related data controversies in the Flock data use and privacy debate, and review nationwide deployment details in Politico's investigative report on license plate reader adoption and data policies.

Orlando Health is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize early pancreatic cancer detection, unveiling its expanded Digestive Health Institute as a center of cutting-edge innovation in Central Florida.

By integrating AI algorithms with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), led by Dr. Shyam Varadarajulu, the institute can identify minuscule pancreatic tumors that traditional methods often miss, significantly improving patient outcomes.

“One of the major problems in diagnosing pancreatic cancer is that it is not diagnosed at an early stage. Artificial intelligence could help doctors find challenging tumors earlier which could lead to a life-saving treatment plan for patients,” explains Dr. Varadarajulu.

This technology has already made a difference for patients like Leila Braswell, who credits early AI-aided detection and treatment at Orlando Health for her cancer-free recovery just one year after diagnosis.

The institute's expansion has enhanced its capabilities with new procedure rooms, Central Florida's first shockwave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones, a Medical Pancreatology Clinic, and a Motility Center for comprehensive GI care.

Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of just 27–45% if caught early and below 10% when diagnosed late.

The following table summarizes key statistics:

Statistic	Value
New US pancreatic cancer cases (2023)	64,050
Estimated deaths (2023)	50,000+
Five-year survival (early-stage)	27–45%
Five-year survival (late-stage)	<10%

Orlando Health's clinical study for AI-assisted diagnosis is conducted in partnership with leading European experts, ensuring global best practices.

Learn more about how Orlando Health is advancing pancreatic cancer care with AI in this detailed report from ClickOrlando, explore the institute's expansion and tech innovations via Positively Osceola's coverage, and review the AI-EUS program's impact and research in Orlando Health's official medical update.

Tampa General Hospital has made a significant leap in cardiac care with the installation of two advanced GE Healthcare Revolution APEX 512-slice CT scanners powered by artificial intelligence, aimed at delivering faster, sharper, and safer heart imaging.

These state-of-the-art devices, funded by a Ferman family donation, are now operational at both the TGH Ferman Family Imaging Center and within the inpatient hospital units.

AI-driven features such as deep learning image reconstruction, ultra-high resolution, motion correction, and dose-reduction technology are enabling clinicians to detect heart and vascular conditions at earlier stages and tailor interventions more effectively.

As Dr. Shone Almeida noted,

“With sharper images and faster scan times, we can diagnose heart disease with greater confidence, allowing cardiologists to make better treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.”

Central to the TGH Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention Program, these scanners focus on early detection and personalized care to prevent the progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

The following table highlights key innovations and benefits:

Feature	Clinical Impact
AI/Machine Learning-Based Imaging	Sharper images, improved diagnosis accuracy
Ultra-High Resolution & Motion Correction	Clear imaging of moving organs, fewer repeat scans
Dose-Reduction Technologies	Enhanced patient safety and comfort

This initiative positions Tampa General Hospital as a leader in AI-driven medical imaging in Florida and elevates diagnostic standards for cardiovascular care.

For further details on the technological rollout, see the official Tampa General Hospital press release on AI-powered cardiac CT scanners, the Tampa Bay Business Journal's article on AI-powered cardiac imaging at Tampa General Hospital, and a comprehensive overview at South Florida Hospital News coverage of Tampa General's advanced heart imaging technology.

Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties are redefining education in Florida with pioneering initiatives that weave artificial intelligence into K-12 classrooms and higher learning.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation's third-largest district, has trained over 1,000 teachers and introduced generative AI tools like Google Gemini to 105,000+ high school students, allowing for immersive lessons where students interact with AI-powered chatbots role-playing historic figures - an approach one student described:

“It did a very good job of impersonating J.F.K.”

This is complemented by Hillsborough's adoption of platforms such as ChalkTalk, designed to improve test scores and graduation rates while emphasizing transparency and ethical AI use.

At Miami Dade College, institutional leaders have moved beyond simply offering AI majors; their strategy infuses AI across all disciplines, with President Madeline Pumariega affirming,

“We cannot ban AI, but we must teach students to validate sources, cite properly, and apply knowledge critically.”

MDC's efforts include degree programs, faculty innovation grants, and free, NSF-sponsored youth AI camps to support broad access.

The district's and college's forward-looking models are highlighted in a New York Times feature on AI in Miami schools, strategic insights from MDC's president outlined in this institution-wide AI integration strategy interview, and the practical, equity-focused guidance shared in ChalkTalk's K-12 transformation report.

As these districts and institutions model responsible, innovative deployment of AI, they're not only equipping students for the evolving workforce but shaping the future of education statewide.

The intersection of AI-generated art and copyright law has become a pivotal topic in Florida and beyond, as recent legal decisions shape the creative economy's future.

In 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals reaffirmed that works created solely by artificial intelligence are not eligible for copyright, emphasizing that “copyright law centers on human authorship,” a precedent that reinforces the legal divide between machine and human creativity (AI and copyright law ruling details).

The U.S. Copyright Office, however, has adapted its stance, now permitting copyright of AI-assisted works only if the human is the dominant creative force - applications are reviewed to confirm "sufficient human involvement" and originality, signaling nuanced opportunities for artists and businesses utilizing generative AI (new AI-assisted copyright policy).

Florida-based creators are watching closely as federal class-action lawsuits proceed against major AI platforms alleging unauthorized use of copyrighted images for AI training, a case with industry-wide implications for how technology companies compensate creatives and respect intellectual property rights (landmark artist victory in AI copyright dispute).

As courts and agencies draw these boundaries, Florida's growing creative tech sector finds itself at the heart of a national debate, balancing innovation with the protection of human ingenuity.

Orlando's tech scene is making waves in 2025 as local AI startups challenge industry Goliaths with a strong focus on privacy and cost-effective solutions. MAGIC Research's debut of the Fabric Hypergrid - a private AI platform that slashes costs by up to 90% - empowers businesses to retain full control over their data, positioning Orlando as a center for secure, enterprise-ready artificial intelligence innovation.

Industry analytics highlight Orlando's dynamic ecosystem, home to more than 277 startups such as Kore.ai, a leader in conversational AI, and Fortress Information Security, known for advanced cyber risk management.

The following table summarizes Orlando's top AI-driven businesses shaping the region's innovation landscape:

Startup	SB Score	Focus Area	Website
Kore.ai	537	Conversational & Digital AI Platforms	kore.ai
Fortress Info Security	419	Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation	fortressinfosec.com
Care.ai	408	AI for Healthcare & Real-Time Insights	care.ai

As the Orlando Business Journal reports, startups like MAGIC Research are enabling local companies to level the playing field against global tech giants.

For a full list of leading AI innovators in Central Florida, check out the Orlando startup rankings, and explore the broader landscape of top AI companies across Florida as privacy-first, enterprise-ready artificial intelligence becomes the region's next engine for sustainable business growth.

Palm Bay's position as a leading tech hub is no longer aspirational - it's a documented reality, with the city ranked #9 nationwide for tech job density and contributing $2.7 billion to Florida's tech economy by the end of 2024, outpacing larger metros in job and wage growth (Palm Bay's rise as a top U.S. tech hub).

The city's success is fueled by a 24% surge in tech employment since 2019, median salaries reaching $93,536, and over 200 active startups across sectors like cybersecurity and clean energy.

As Florida's tech boom continues - with over 20,000 new tech jobs added statewide in 2024 - legislation signed by Governor DeSantis is supporting future competitiveness by modernizing education policy and expanding workforce pathways, including requirements for STEM instruction, enhancements to school safety, and new licensure opportunities for nontraditional learners (New Florida education laws shaping tech workforce).

This aligns Palm Bay's local efforts with broader investment and innovation trends, as demonstrated by the influx of capital into AI-powered startups and technologies, where biotech, healthtech, and supply chain automation have recently secured rounds of up to $130 million (Recent tech funding news).

These converging forces - robust economic strategy, education reform, and a vibrant startup ecosystem - place Palm Bay at the heart of Florida's next AI-driven wave, equipping the city to thrive as both a tech employer and a testbed for cutting-edge innovation.