Space Florida, Partners Award Top Innovators at Northwest Florida Pitch Competition

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—November 6, 2025— Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, along with partners at the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), Gain Venture Capital and DeepWork Capital announce the recipients of the second-annual event, The Takeoff: Northwest Florida Pitch Day. Held at IHMC’s Pensacola offices, the event aimed to serve as a connector for market-ready research and startups in the region with investors, accelerating their path to commercialization and scaling groundbreaking technologies. In total, six startups and three IHMC researchers presented at the event.
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The startup award recipients are:

• First Place: Apellix - $20,000
• Runner Up: National Energy USA - $7,500
• Runner Up: Swarm Dynamics - $7,500

The researchers who presented and received $5,000 each are:  

• Daniel Duran, Mint  
• Dr. Matt Johnson, Crucible  
• Jared Li, Link
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“The Takeoff showcases how innovation is thriving across every region of our state,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “By linking entrepreneurs and investors, we’re creating new opportunities for high-tech growth and reinforcing Florida’s position as a leader in aerospace and advanced technologies.”

“IHMC is proud once again to partner with Space Florida on initiatives like The Takeoff, which unite innovators, investors, and business leaders to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies,” said Dr. Morley Stone, CEO of IHMC. “This year’s event highlighted IHMC’s expanding portfolio of commercialization efforts and reaffirmed Florida’s position as a national leader in technology, investment, and entrepreneurship—driving innovation that shapes the future.”

Kelly Reeser, managing partner at Gain Venture Capital, added: “As a firm proudly headquartered in Northwest Florida, Gain Venture Capital is deeply committed to fueling innovation right here at home. The Takeoff reflects our belief that world-class companies can—and should—grow from this region.”

“DeepWork Capital is looking forward to participating in The Takeoff again this year since last year’s event led to an investment into one of the presenting companies,” said Benjamin Patz, Managing Partner, DeepWork Capital.

Florida’s aerospace innovation strategy is as much about economic opportunity as it is about technology. By cultivating startups and scaling new ventures at The Takeoff, Space Florida is fueling the next wave of market leaders in aerospace and advanced technologies. With investment in infrastructure, a capital network, and an ecosystem of collaboration between entrepreneurs and investors, Florida offers a proven model for accelerating ideas into scalable market solutions.  

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Media Contact
Alayna Curry, APR
acurry@spaceflorida.gov

About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.

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