The Research Park at Florida Atlantic Among Community with Finalists Competing to Earn Prestigious Honor
Boca Raton, FL (August 15th, 2024) – The Research Park at Florida Atlantic and GrowFL are pleased to announce that three Research Park-based companies were selected as finalists for the 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch. The awards program honors impressive second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida.
Focused on nurturing second-stage companies, the Research Park at Florida Atlantic’s incubator, Global Ventures, along with GrowFL, provide detailed market insights, deep networks and other resources to companies with 6 or more employees and revenues of greater than $500,000 per year.
Together, the 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Finalists represent 3,700 jobs and generate over $1 billion in revenue. These companies, all of which are “worth watching,” anticipate a combined revenue growth of 27% and a 31% job increase by the end of 2024.
“Instrumentum, Thema Brain Health and HelixVM are all exceptional, innovative companies which exemplify the competitive advantages of working with a leading research institution like Florida Atlantic and the benefits of locating in a community of innovation like the Research Park,” said Andrew S. Duffell, President of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic.
“We’re honored to be recognized by GrowFL alongside so many incredible companies. Thema Brain Health is on a mission to ensure that everyone in Florida and beyond has access to preventive neurology. Having the support of GrowFL is invaluable,” says Seth Harlem, CEO and co-founder of Thema Brain Health.
The finalists were selected from over 500 nominations across the state and are now in the running to be named a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree. If selected as an honoree, these exemplary second-stage companies will join the more than 600 second-stage companies across the state that have been recognized since 2011.
“We are excited to recognize these outstanding companies,” said Pete Previte, Chair of GrowFL. “Their achievements exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Florida’s economy forward. These finalists inspire us all with their dedication to innovation and growth.”
Marius Dobren, Chair of the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Committee, added, “This year’s finalists showcase the remarkable resilience and creativity of Florida’s entrepreneurs. Their achievements in a dynamic business landscape inspire others to reach for excellence. As a marketplace for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, the GrowFL community is delighted to celebrate this year’s finalists and look forward to announcing the top 50 Honorees in October.”
The top 50 Honorees will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk in Orlando. The awards ceremony will be a highlight of the year, featuring networking opportunities, inspiring presentations, and recognition of the 50 Honorees.
Early bird tickets are available now through October 1st. Visit https://growfl.com/about-growfl-flctw/registration to purchase tickets. Media interested in attending the awards ceremony or conducting interviews with finalists should contact Melissa Sileo at MSileo@GrowFL.com or 407-435-8487.
About the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University
The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® is home to technology companies and research-based organizations working to support the research and development activities of Florida Atlantic University and to foster economic development and broaden the economic base of Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Research Park at FAU hosts Global Ventures, an international soft-landing center for second-stage technology companies and FAU Tech Runway, a hub to accelerate technology development and incubate startup companies. The Research Park at FAU is a 70-acre destination for R&D companies to thrive, established in 1985, it is widely regarded as South Florida’s laboratory for new entrepreneurial ideas and technologies. The Research Park at FAU is governed by the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, an independent special district created by Palm Beach and Broward counties in partnership with Florida Atlantic University, organized under Chapter 159, Part V, Florida Statues. www.ResearchParkFAU.com
About GrowFL:
GrowFL propels Florida’s economy forward by empowering second-stage companies to reach their full potential. We provide focused, timely resources and expert connections to help these businesses scale and thrive. Our mission is to accelerate the growth of companies with at least six employees and $750,000 in revenue committed to expanding beyond this stage. By fostering a thriving ecosystem of second-stage companies, we contribute to Florida’s economic diversification and strength. Website: http://www.growfl.com
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