Awards recognize distinguished contributions to the Research Park’s mission of promoting research and fostering economic development.
BOCA RATON, Fla. (July 23, 2024) – The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University is pleased to announce the recipients of its prestigious annual awards, which will be presented on September 12 at the Annual Awards & Celebration of Entrepreneurship.
Each year, the Research Park at Florida hosts a night of celebration to recognize three remarkable people and one exceptional organization who have significantly propelled innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the South Florida community and beyond. Remarkable progress is made each year and the promise of a brighter future for the South Florida community and beyond becomes evident. The dynamic and diverse economy of the region is driven by the dedicated efforts of these distinguished honorees, partner organizations within the Research Park, and others.
This year’s awards highlight the pivotal leadership of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, its esteemed partners, and visionary and innovative companies in driving the evolution of South Florida’s landscape. As the region experiences continued population and business expansion at a rapid rate, the demand for sophisticated scientific and business innovation grows. The honorees recognized this year exemplify excellence and innovation, shaping a thriving ecosystem of research and entrepreneurship. This year’s distinguished honorees are:
Distinguished Leader – Stacy Volnick, Ph.D.
FAU President
Dr. Stacy Volnick is no stranger to leadership. Dr. Volnick was appointed to the Research Park’s governing body in October 2022 and immediately made a positive impact, focusing on aligning the Park’s initiatives with those of the University. Her leadership was further recognized in 2024 when she was unanimously elected to lead the organization as its chair, marking the first time the Florida Atlantic University president has held this position since the Park’s inception in 1985.
Dr. Volnick understands the critical role of a thriving Research Park in bolstering the University’s research capabilities and enhancing student experiences. University research parks require the leadership of the aligned university to be successful, and the Research Park at Florida Atlantic is privileged to have earned President Volnick’s support and understanding of its purpose and mission. A first-generation student and a three-time Owl herself, President Volnick passionately advocates for student internships within the Research Park, seeing them as essential for fostering successful career development. Her vision for the Park includes expanding collaborative opportunities between the University and the Park’s companies to drive innovation and economic growth in the region. With her leadership, the Research Park has been able to reach new heights in its mission to foster research and entrepreneurship.
Distinguished Entrepreneur – Daniel A. Betts, Ph.D.
CEO & Founder of Blue Frontier, Inc.
Dr. Daniel Betts is the CEO and Founder of Blue Frontier, Inc, a company that is radically disrupting the air conditioning industry and redefining the market. With successful ventures part of his track-record, Daniel created Blue Frontier’s predecessor while part of the Research Park’s incubator, graduating in 2015. Under Dr. Betts’ leadership, the company and its technology evolved and grew into what is now Blue Frontier. The venture is spearheading how the world approaches air conditioning by putting a significant dent in building greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions without harming the planet. With a recent $16.9 million injection of capital, invested by Bill Gates-founded Energy Ventures, the company is on track to transform the air conditioning industry through innovative, eco-friendly solutions that impact the South Florida community and beyond.
Before founding Blue Frontier, Betts received his MBA, PhD, and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering at George Washington University, and the University of Florida. He has been in strategic management roles since 2005, primarily with high-tech companies in the energy and digital transformation sectors. An engineer at heart, Betts’ engineering career began in 1996, focusing on advanced technology. His diverse experience includes industrial product development, industrial R&D, academic research, and utility sector projects.
Distinguished Researcher – Kevin Cox, Ph.D
Senior Instructor & Director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship
Dr. Kevin Cox is the Senior Instructor and Director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at Florida Atlantic and has made significant contributions to the field of entrepreneurship research, supporting and mentoring growing companies and entrepreneurs while adding immense value to Global Ventures. Cox received his Ph.D. in business administration from Florida Atlantic in 2016 and has been a key driving force in building knowledge in entrepreneurship through his teaching at Florida Atlantic, including the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Veterans Bootcamp. Dr. Cox’s experience and insights add value and inspire students of entrepreneurship as well its practitioners. His efforts, including mentoring FAU TechRunway companies, have helped companies secure millions of dollars in funding from business plan competitions, demonstrating his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success and innovation. Dr. Cox inspires countless entrepreneurs through his leadership of the National Science Foundation I-CORPS program of customer discovery, coaching entrepreneurs to pitch investors and is always available for questions and advice. Dr. Cox’s influence and guidance have been pivotal in shaping the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
Distinguished Organization – Brazilian Business Group
The Brazilian Business Group (BBG) has significantly impacted not only the Global Ventures community but also the wider South Florida community by fostering business relationships and promoting professional development. BBG was one of the first partners of Global Ventures, advising the Research Park team during its development phase. They assisted with outreach within the Brazilian community in South Florida and Brazil and helped build relationships with the Brazilian Consulate General in Miami.
As a nonprofit organization, BBG unites non-Brazilian and Brazilian professionals and entrepreneurs, developing their skills and generating positive business outcomes. Their dedication to strategic connections and social responsibility has made BBG a cornerstone for business growth. Through their networking opportunities, workshops, and events, BBG has created a vibrant and powerful community where collaboration thrives. Their efforts have strengthened the overall business landscape, contributing to making South Florida a dynamic hub for international entrepreneurship.
These distinguished award recipients will be celebrated at the Awards & Celebration of Entrepreneurship taking place on September 12th, at the FAU Owl’s Nest from 6 PM – 9PM. Each year, friends and stakeholders – business, government and academic leaders – of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic gather to celebrate the achievements of the entrepreneurs and innovators who make the Park community stronger. Approximately 200 leaders from the business, academic and governmental fields strengthen relationships and share ideas for the future. Tickets can be purchased at:
The Awards & Celebration of Entrepreneurship is made possible by the investments of Palm Beach County and the City of Boca Raton in the Research Park at FAU’s programs and by the support of Ecosystem Investor Florida Power & Light and 35 Mules and Silver Investor Kaufman Rossin. Bronze Investors include: Baptist Health, Banyan Development, Boca Raton Airport, CohnReznick, FAU College of Engineering & Computer Science, FAU Executive Education, Medical Link, PEBB Enterprises, People’s Trust Insurance Company, Plastridge Insurance, Seacoast Bank SouthState Bank, and the BV Group at UBS.
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.research-park.org)
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