Some places are proud of their history. Lake Nona is proud of its future.
As Orlando’s leading-edge innovation hub, Lake Nona has become a hotbed for innovation and a breeding ground for startups. The community’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation has attracted companies from startups to global brands across various industries, including health and sports technology, human performance, aviation, aerospace and beyond. This convergence of talent and expertise has created a vibrant ecosystem that fuels the growth and success of tech-driven ventures.
leAD Lake Nona
The collaborative spirit in Lake Nona plays a vital role in driving the tech scene forward. Lake Nona emphasizes business-to-business collaboration, creating opportunities for startups to collaborate with established companies and benefit from their expertise and networks. The leAD Lake Nona Sports and Health Tech Accelerator, a global platform for tech startups, is the heart of Lake Nona’s startup scene, fostering connections between emerging companies and industry leaders to facilitate mentorship and partnerships. This collaborative approach enables startups to access valuable resources, gain exposure, and accelerate their growth.
Let’s dive into some of leAD Lake Nona’s thriving startups that are shaping the future.
Phlex
One of the latest startups to emerge from Lake Nona’s tech scene is Phlex, which recently secured a partnership with global sports sensor company Polar Electro. Phlex, a graduate of the leAD Lake Nona’s inaugural cohort, has developed a wearable device for swimmers and coaches in collaboration with Polar Electro. The device enables swimmers of all levels to track performance statistics such as heart rate, calories burned, and more through Phlex’s innovative app. This groundbreaking solution not only enhances the training experience but also demonstrates the potential for technology to revolutionize traditional industries.
NESTRE
Another successful leAD LAke Nona startup, NESTRE, stands out as a pioneer revolutionizing cognitive health and human performance. Led by former UCF football captain and Lake Nona resident Dr. Tommy Shavers, NESTRE’s neuro-strength platform offers a unique app that provides cognitive assessments, training and analytics to improve mental and cognitive performance for users from all walks of life. NESTRE’s science-backed solutions and commitment to democratizing access to cognitive training exemplify the innovative spirit driving Lake Nona’s tech ecosystem. NESTRE moved across the street once graduated from leAD to its permanent home in the Lake Nona Performance Club. Dr. Shavers and the NESTRE team were recently lauded during the Mayor’s 2023 State of the City address as a powerful young company thriving in our community.
Soarce
At a time when the textiles and clothing industry is seeking more sustainable solutions, Soarce is spearheading the development of sustainable athletic wear that surpasses conventional fibers. By re-engineering algae into a heat-managing and low-carbon alternative that also optimizes comfort for outdoor, motorsport and everyday athletes, Soarce is leading the way in creating eco-friendly solutions that prioritize both performance and sustainability.
Break the Love
Break the Love is transforming the racquet sports club experience for the next generation. With a vision to create a one-stop shop for drop-in tennis clubs personalized for players based on interests, level and location, Break the Love is redefining how players engage with the sport. The platform not only provides players with convenient access to tennis facilities but also empowers athletes and property owners to contribute to the growth of the sport. Most recently, CEO Trisha Goyal has become the first recipient of the Tory Burch Foundation Sports Fellowship, in partnership with the International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All, honoring Break the Love’s commitment to supporting women founders in male-dominated fields and their collaboration with industry-leading organizations.
To the Future & Beyond
Lake Nona’s dedication to cutting-edge technology extends beyond individual startups. The community itself is designed to be a smart city that promotes connectivity and convenience and is home to innovative branches of nationally recognized brands like KPMG, Johnson & Johnson, Verizon, Guidewell, HCA Healthcare, and others.
The tech scene in Lake Nona is constantly evolving with new opportunities always peeking over the horizon, reinforcing its reputation as a regional powerhouse for innovation and a magnet for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and investors. As the community continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, we can expect Lake Nona to remain a key player in the world of technology and innovation for years to come.
