How Miami Tech Week reflects South Florida’s rise as a global epicenter of innovation

A city once known for beaches and lifestyle is now a living laboratory for technology, connectivity, and business. / Foto: Joe deSousa (Unsplash)

In April 2021, a series of informal meetups between founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts inadvertently sparked what would become one of the most emblematic events of the United States’ new digital economy: Miami Tech Week. What began as an impromptu week of networking and decentralized panels quickly gained traction, coming to represent the consolidation of Miami as one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the country — and now, the world.

Miami’s rise on the global innovation map is backed by hard data and international rankings. According to the Startup Blink Global Ecosystem Index 2024, Miami ranks among the top 30 startup ecosystems worldwide, outperforming traditional hubs across Europe and Latin America. Meanwhile, the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) by Startup Genome has identified the city as a “rising star,” recognized for being one of the fastest-growing emerging ecosystems in North America.

This transformation didn’t happen by chance. A favorable blend of public policy, tax incentives, quality of life, international connectivity, and the migration of talent from hubs like New York and San Francisco accelerated Miami’s evolution into a new capital of innovation. The city has since attracted hundreds of startups, venture capital firms, fast-growing unicorns, and R&D hubs — creating fertile ground for disruptive business models.

Set to take place from April 6–13, Miami Tech Week 2025 will showcase the city’s tech momentum through a weeklong lineup of simultaneous events promoting technology, investment, diversity, and public policy. The program includes the Miami Tech Summit on April 9, gathering leaders from major tech companies and U.S. government officials to discuss the role of digital infrastructure in economic development; the #MiamiTech Happy Hour, also on April 9; and the Miami Women in Web3 & Tech Mixer, which brings together women founders and professionals working in emerging fields such as blockchain and Web3.

One of the most anticipated highlights will be the event hosted by Experience Club US featuring Ian Beacraft — a global authority on digital transformation, futurism, and artificial intelligence — on April 10, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, at the iconic The Moore Miami.

In his talk, titled “How Not to Screw up an AI Transformation While Shaping the Future of your Company,” Beacraft will address the challenges of implementing AI strategies with responsibility and future vision — a topic that is increasingly top of mind for organizations across every sector.

“This kind of content is a direct reflection of Miami’s new position on the global stage. The city is no longer just a destination for lifestyle and sunshine — it has become a living lab for technology, connection, and business,” emphasizes Marcelo Goulart, CEO of Experience Club US.