JUNE 2024
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
2024 EDISON AWARDS
Invention, innovation celebrated once again in Fort Myers
Submitted by: Rachel Reed, Edison Awards Special to SWFBT
For the fourth consecutive year in Fort Myers, the 2024 Edison Awards injected optimism and opportunity into the regional economy by showcasing global innovations and innovators who are making the world a better place. Three days of activities kicked off by introducing the 2024 Latimer Fellows at the first annual Superhero night, held at the Lee County Black Historical Society. More than 200 attendees dressed up as their favorite superhero where they listened to an interactive panel with Academy Award nominee Shameik Moore discussing his role as Miles Morales in the Spider-Verse, along with astronaut and teacher Sian Proctor sharing her outer space adventures and the power of Earthlight in our lives. The 2023 and 2024 Latimer Fellows were present to share and inspire the audience that “even the impossible is possible” through hard work and STEAM education. Edison Awards Day was held at the Luminary Hotel and showcased Edison Award winning exhibits, including Axiom, a holographic zoo from Australia, Pilotcar, an autonomous golf cart from Naples, Shrimpbox, an AI biotech modular aquaculture system, and many MedTech game changers including Arthrex’s MIS Fibertak Achilles SpeedBridge System and a Robotic Cane from Glidance, a Seattle-based company. Festivities concluded with a concert by the Ben Allen Band. The Edison Award events brought together
Both “Thomas Edison” and “Lewis Latimer” were among the attendees of the Edison Awards opening night reception, hosted on the grounds of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. more than 450 of the smartest global innovators representing over 20 different countries. Edison Achievement Award honorees Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX, and Dr. Laurie Leshin, director of NASA JPL, were among the es-
teemed guests. The Meet the Innovators Forum featured panels with the innovation leaders from Cargill, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Florida Power and Light, Babcock Ranch, Sabic, Black & Veatch, ASU and Northwestern. Discussions led by Astronaut Leland Melvin explored topics, including the Future of AI and Robotics, sustainable materials, space exploration and monitoring sea levels in the region. Attendees were encouraged to learn three new things and explore potential partnerships by networking with three new contacts. The 2024 Edison Award winners were announced at the Gala reception which was hosted by Comedian Chuck Nice who delivered a riveting performance with science- and innovation-themed comedy that helped the audience appreciate that real innovation is hard work. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the Innovation Walk, powered by the Edison Awards and supported through a partnership with the CRA, with more information to come on this amazing community experience. The Edison Awards have become a welcomed and celebrated annual event in Fort Myers. This year’s ceremony was a thrilling showcase that not only celebrated progress but also inspired the SWFL business community to continue pushing the boundaries further. This prestigious event highlights the value that innovation brings to our region, driving economic growth, fostering collaboration, and positioning Fort Myers and Southwest Florida as a hub for transformative ideas. Save the date for the 2025 Edison Awards on April 2-3, 2025.
EDISON AWARDS
SHINING LIGHT ON
INNOVATION Lee County is honored to be the host of the Edison Awards and celebrate the numerous innovators and entrepreneurs from around the globe who contribute to technical leadership and modernization.
www.LeeCountyBusiness.com
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EDO@LeeGov.com