DRIVING INCLUSIVE TECH GROWTH: MIAMI BEACH SUPPORTS THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOUNDERS

Summary

During Black History Month, the City of Miami Beach proudly sponsored eMerge Americas’ Empower Series: Celebrate! Pitch Competition, spotlighting five innovative Black founders shaping the future of tech. With opening remarks from Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and Economic Development director Steven Anthony serving as a judge, the event showcased the power of inclusive entrepreneurship.

A group of event participants and speakers stand together smiling in front of the eMerge Americas event backdrop during "Celebrate" — Community in action. "Celebrate" brought together founders, leaders, and partners committed to supporting Black entrepreneurship and strengthening our regional innovation ecosystem.

As part of Black History Month, the City of Miami Beach proudly sponsored the eMerge Americas Empower Series: Celebrate! Pitch Competition, an evening dedicated to elevating five innovative Black founders who are driving meaningful change across the tech industry.

The event opened with remarks from Mayor Steven Meiner, who reaffirmed Miami Beach’s commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and expanding access to opportunity within the innovation economy. His message reflected the City’s broader strategy: creating space for diverse founders to build, scale, and succeed in South Florida.

Two men in business attire stand in front of a large digital screen displaying “eMerge Americas Presents Celebrar, Celebrating Black History Month,” posing for a photo at the event. — Miami Beach Mayor, Steven Meiner, and Economic Development Director, Steven Anthony, celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. Proud to stand alongside partners at eMerge Americas’ Celebrate! event honoring Black History Month and the entrepreneurs shaping what’s next.

Serving as one of the evening’s judges, Steven Anthony, Economic Development Director, joined fellow panelists in evaluating a strong lineup of founders presenting forward-thinking solutions across sectors. The room was filled with energy, collaboration, and a clear sense of momentum within the region’s tech ecosystem.

Congratulations to Wink Biotherapeutics, the evening’s winning company. The team received a $2,500 grant, an additional $1,000 from B.I.G. Capital, and fast-track entry into the eMerge Global Startup Accelerator + Showcase 2026. Opportunities like this reinforce Miami Beach’s role as a launchpad for high-growth ventures and emerging technologies.

The Celebrate! Pitch Competition is part of eMerge Americas’ ongoing Empower Series, which highlights innovation, access, and representation in tech. Through its continued sponsorship partnership with eMerge Americas, the City of Miami Beach remains committed to supporting programming that strengthens the region’s startup pipeline and positions Miami Beach as a strategic partner in Florida’s growing tech economy.

As we continue to invest in initiatives that promote business growth and innovation, events like this reflect both our values and our economic development priorities.

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