Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program

A collaborative 8-week hybrid accelerator program designed to connect startups with resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities in South Florida's tech ecosystem.

Program Structure: Two separate tracks

• FinTech Track: Located in West Palm Beach
• Dual-Use & Defense Tech Track: Located in Miami

Capacity: 10-12 startups per track

Partners:

• The Florida Council of 100 and The Florida Council of 100 Foundation
• eMerge Americas
• Related Ross
• The LAB Miami (Wynwood)

Geographic Scope: Miami to West Palm Beach (Gold Coast), Florida

Focus Areas:

• FinTech innovation
• Dual-Use & Defense Tech (disruptive government contracting)
• AI and digital transformation

Target Participants:

• Early-stage startups
• Demonstrable product ready to scale
• Open to expanding footprint in Florida for long-term growth
• Seeking corporate partnerships

Program Benefits:

• Elite Mentorship: Direct access to top CEOs, investors, and industry leaders (200+ Florida business leaders)
• Corporate Partnerships: Pilot and scale with leading enterprises
• Market Access: Leverage Florida's thriving ecosystem for growth and customer acquisition
• Investor Network: Connect with Florida's vast investor community
• Office Space: Meeting and collaboration space provided at no cost
• Demo Day: Exclusive presentation opportunity to Florida Council of 100 members
• Tech Basel Miami AI Summit Access: Invitation-only access on December 3

Program Launch: Fall 2025 (officially kicked off October 14, 2025)

Regional Economic Context:

• Florida ranked second nationally for Finance and Insurance GDP growth (last 5 years)
• Florida ranked second nationally for Defense industry manufacturing
• Defense industry economic impact: $100+ billion annually

Contact Information:

• Florida Council of 100
• 400 North Tampa Street Suite 1010
• Tampa, FL 33602
• press@fc100.org

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Applications opened August 15, 2025
• Rolling admission basis

Application Requirements:

• Company must be a startup
• Demonstrable product that is ready to scale
• Open to corporate partnerships
• Willing to expand footprint in Florida for long-term growth

How to Apply:

1. Visit goldcoasttechfl.com
2. Sign up for alerts
3. Complete application on the website

Selection Criteria:

• Stage of development (product-ready)
• Scalability potential
• Fit with FinTech or Dual-Use & Defense Tech focus
• Commitment to Florida growth
• Potential for partnership with corporate mentors