eMerge Americas 2025 launched its annual conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Thursday, setting the stage for innovation and entrepreneurship. The event highlighted the energy and optimism surrounding the South Florida tech scene.
A Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurs
The conference, with pavilions dedicated to healthtech, AI, and defense tech, featured over 300 exhibitors and seven stages hosting 240 speakers from around the globe. With representation from 60 countries, eMerge solidified its international presence. The VC LatAm Summit and Israel Tech Week also took place during the conference, bringing together hundreds of investors.
Melissa Medina, CEO of eMerge Americas, explained the organization’s decade-long mission: “to help transform South Florida and Florida into a thriving global tech hub.”
Daymond John and Shark Tank Insights
Daymond John, known for building the Fubu clothing brand and his role on Shark Tank, delivered an address. He shared his entrepreneurial journey and advice with attendees.
John, a Miami area resident, emphasized the importance of hard work and finding opportunities. He stated that successful businesses solve a problem or provide joy.
Sharing behind-the-scenes insights, John mentioned that pitches on Shark Tank are significantly longer than the edited segments suggest and that closing deals often takes months. He stressed the value of trust and “chemistry.”
He also noted that while AI is revolutionizing business, human interaction remains essential, particularly in building partnerships.
Transforming Healthcare and Beyond
Martine Rothblatt, a serial entrepreneur and founder of United Therapeutics, discussed her ongoing work in genetic modification for organ transplants. Rothblatt has set a new goal: to develop new human organs using stem cells and a person’s own genes. She emphasized that “persistence is omnipotence.”
AI and Quantum Computing: The Future is Now
Matthew and Michael Vega Sanz, Miami natives and co-founders of Gail, an AI platform for financial services, shared their experience, highlighting what they see as a massive opportunity in the fintech sector. Gail currently handles hundreds of thousands of conversations daily and is used by numerous companies.
William Hurley (whurley), a quantum expert, gave a talk that was both inspiring and cautionary. He highlighted the revolutionary potential of quantum computing while also warning of potential job displacement. He encouraged attendees to experiment and learn, emphasizing the need for experts to shape the future while also considering its impact.
Miami’s Tech Future
Many talks focused on Miami’s growing prominence as a global tech hub. Florida Atlantic University’s new president, Adam Haslett, discussed the importance of partnerships between universities and industry.
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and also a Miami resident, closed out the day. He praised the city and its growing tech scene, saying he would have moved his company’s headquarters here if it weren’t for the distractions of nightlife.
eMerge Americas will continue with Day Two of the conference. Highlights will likely include keynote talks by Armando Christian Perez (aka Pitbull), Palmer Luckey and Stephen Ross as well as the grand finale of the Startup Showcase, with five finalists pitching live for a chance to win a $125,000 investment.
