Florida Atlantic University (FAU) recently made a significant impact at the 10th annual eMerge Americas conference in Miami Beach. Three colleges within FAU – the College of Business, College of Engineering & Computer Science, and Schmidt College of Medicine – came together to showcase student innovation and commitment to entrepreneurship in the South Florida tech industry. This collaboration highlighted the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its students.
The eMerge Americas conference, founded by influential South Florida leader and FAU College of Business alumnus Manuel Medina, brought together business leaders, industry innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs to engage in workshops, exhibits, and speeches on the latest trends and technologies in the tech industry. FAU’s presence at the conference underscored the university’s commitment to supporting and promoting the growth of the tech ecosystem in South Florida.
The FAU booth at eMerge Americas featured displays and information on robotics, prosthetics, and innovation in healthcare, showcasing the cutting-edge research and projects being undertaken by students and faculty at the university. Additionally, the College of Business highlighted five alumni who were honored by Forbes’ “30 under 30” for their innovation in entrepreneurship, further demonstrating FAU’s track record of producing successful and innovative business leaders.
Dean Daniel Gropper of FAU’s College of Business expressed his excitement about collaborating with the College of Medicine and College of Engineering at eMerge Americas to celebrate the transformative work of Manny and Melissa Medina in establishing South Florida as a tech hub. This partnership between the colleges reflects FAU’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the tech ecosystem in the region, creating opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders and showcase their innovative ideas.
Faculty and students from FAU played a significant role at the conference, with Dean Curtis Whitehair of the Schmidt College of Medicine and Dean Stella Batalama of the College of Engineering and Computer Science engaging with attendees to share more about FAU’s collaborative efforts and research initiatives. One standout student, Joseph Watson, a management senior at the College of Business, was awarded the eMerge Americas’ “2024 Rising Star Award” for his talent and achievements. Watson also participated in a panel discussion focused on the perspectives of upcoming college graduates on the Miami business landscape, highlighting the valuable contributions that FAU students are making to the tech industry.
Overall, FAU’s presence at eMerge Americas showcased the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among its students and faculty. By participating in events like eMerge Americas, FAU continues to position itself as a leader in the South Florida tech industry, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents, engage with industry professionals, and contribute to the growth and development of the region’s tech ecosystem.
