Orlando took another step toward cementing its reputation as a national leader in healthcare innovation on August 4 when global innovation platform Plug and Play officially launched its new health program in Lake Nona. The event at the GuideWell Innovation Center drew healthcare executives, startup founders, investors and community leaders. Plug and Play, which operates in more than 60 locations worldwide, has built a reputation for connecting early-stage startups with the partners and resources they need to grow. Its Orlando office, opened in 2024, has already become a meeting point for entrepreneurs and industry leaders. This new program is its first locally focused effort aimed specifically at health technology.

A New Stage for Startups

The health program’s inaugural cohort includes 10 to 12 startups, each developing solutions designed to improve patient care, lower costs, or streamline healthcare delivery. Over the course of the program, the companies will participate in workshops, meet with mentors, and connect directly with potential customers and investors.

Jake McGee, director of corporate partnerships for Plug and Play Orlando, said the program provides startups with access to major healthcare players.
“Joining together with three major leaders in the healthcare space will allow us to invest in and develop the next generation of startups,” McGee said, referring to program partners GuideWell, KPMG LLP and Orlando Health.

Partnerships With Local Impact

Each of the founding partners brought a unique perspective to the program. GuideWell, Florida’s leading health insurer, sees the initiative as an extension of its mission to improve the well-being of communities it serves.

“By bringing together startups and strategic partners, we’re creating synergy to accelerate bold solutions that can improve care, drive better outcomes, and reduce costs,” said Pete Serio, VP chief customer officer for GuideWell.

KPMG’s U.S. healthcare sector leader, Ash Shehata, highlighted the broader regional benefits. “We’re not just supporting individual companies,” Shehata said. “We’re helping continue Orlando’s growth as a global destination for healthcare technology and innovation.”

Orlando Health’s vice president of strategic innovations, Bobby Helmedag, added that the program aligned with the hospital system’s priorities. “We saw tremendous potential in collaborating with Plug and Play,” he said.

Benefits for the Lake Nona Community

While the program is designed to advance healthcare technology, it also carries benefits for the Lake Nona community and its residents. By attracting startups from around the world, the initiative brings new ideas and solutions that could directly impact local patient care from faster access to innovative treatments to improved healthcare services.

The program also supports the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs and service providers in the area. Residents may see additional benefits as local clinics and hospitals adopt or test these new technologies, potentially improving the quality and efficiency of care available in the neighborhood.

For the community, the program reinforces Lake Nona’s identity as a hub for innovation and healthcare excellence. It positions the neighborhood not only as a destination for business and research but also as a place where residents can experience the latest advances in health and wellness first-hand.

Looking Ahead

The launch event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions and startup pitches, giving attendees a chance to meet innovators and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Over the coming months, the startups will work closely with their corporate partners to refine their products and services. The program will culminate in a showcase where companies present their progress and connect with a wider network of potential clients and investors.

Since opening its Orlando office in 2024, Plug and Play has positioned itself as a key player in Central Florida’s innovation scene. With this new health program, Lake Nona and the surrounding community are poised to benefit from both technological advancements and economic growth.

For more information or to apply for future cohorts, visit Plug and Play’s website, plugandplaytechcenter.com.