Southeast Shoutouts | Miami-Dade Innovation Authority tackles affordable housing
Rivian locates its East Coast headquarters in Atlanta.
From Miami, FL:
The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) has launched its sixth Public Innovation Challenge to identify tech-driven solutions to improve how residents access affordable housing.
“Housing, shelter, one’s place of abode, is not only a basic human need, but a critical metric of quality of life. The scale and urgency of our affordable housing crisis in Miami-Dade demands forward-thinking, tech-enabled solutions that meet residents where they are,” said Leigh-Ann Buchanan, President and Chief Executive Officer of MDIA.
Local and global early-to-growth stage companies are invited to submit their tech-driven solutions that make it easier for residents to navigate housing options, access support, and secure stable housing, she said.
At least three technology companies will receive $100,000 in funding to test and validate their solutions. The challenge is in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD), which will pilot the winning solutions, the Office of Innovation & Economic Development, and Miami Homes For All.
From Raleigh, NC:
Pendo, the world’s first software experience management platform, has announced that it has acquired Forwrd.ai, an Israel-based no-code predictive analytics platform that empowers business leaders to build custom artificial intelligence (AI) models that predict churn, upsell potential, and lead quality, without the need for data scientists or engineers.
In today’s enterprise landscape, go-to-market and product teams are inundated with vast amounts of user and behavioral data, but often lack the tools to interpret it effectively without heavy reliance on technical teams. This acquisition addresses a growing demand for more accessible, real-time insights that inform smarter business decisions.
The Forwrd technology will serve as the foundation of a new suite of AI-driven capabilities within the Pendo platform called Pendo Predict. By combining rich usage data with Forwrd’s automated models, Pendo Predict empowers cross-functional teams to proactively identify risk and opportunity—whether it’s surfacing high-intent leads for sales, detecting churn risk and suggesting customer interventions, or uncovering expansion opportunities. The result is a more agile, aligned enterprise that can act quickly on data signals to drive retention, expansion, and revenue growth.
According to a report in GrepBeat, it is Pendo’s sixth acquisition.
RapidScale, a managed cloud services company located in Raleigh, announced last week that it has established a fully endowed scholarship as part of a broader $60,000 investment to support workforce development and innovation in the Raleigh-Durham area. The program involves two other entities – Wake Technical Community College and the Durham Bulls, all focused on promoting job opportunities in tech for college graduates and students.
In addition to the scholarship, RapidScale will become the presenting sponsor of a new lab at Wake Tech’s Research Triangle Park campus, which will be named the RapidScale Innovation Lab. The lab will include opportunities to extend the curriculum in technologies used specifically by industry partners. There are also plans for a maker space for students and faculty to explore emerging technologies.
The 15-year sponsorship includes branding, speaking opportunities, and input into the lab’s design, further positioning RapidScale as a technology leader on campus and in the community.
From Charlotte, NC:
Five Charlotte-based tech start-ups have completed the inaugural gBETA Charlotte program, which leverages AI and data analytics to drive innovation.
The start-ups—representing key sectors, including workforce development, hospitality and events, payroll automation, risk and compliance, and school choice—were selected from nearly 50 applicants across the Charlotte region.
gBETA, supported through the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development Department and powered by gener8tor, is a free, seven-week accelerator program that provides start-up founders with intensive concierge coaching and access to its national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners, and investors. The program is designed to set a path for start-ups to participate in equity-based accelerator programs and pursue investment opportunities.
From Atlanta, GA:
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens have announced that the company will establish a new East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta as part of its landmark investment in the state. The office will open in late 2025, followed by further expansion in 2026 as construction accelerates at the company’s new manufacturing site in Social Circle, just outside the city.
Rivian will occupy the top floor and lobby of Portman Holdings’ Junction Krog District building at 667 Auburn Ave NE, adjacent to the famous Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline—easily accessible by public transportation. Rivian expects to employ around 100 people at the site by the end of 2025, with around 500 people at the new headquarters when fully built.
From St. Petersburg, FL:
MyDefence, a global provider of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) solutions that has its U.S. headquarters in St. Petersburg, announced that the company has received a landmark contract from the U.S. Army valued at $26 million. This is the largest order in MyDefence’s history. The agreement underscores the Army’s continued focus on strengthening its defense capabilities against unmanned aerial threats.
Under the contract, MyDefence will supply its advanced C-UAS technologies designed to detect and track a broad spectrum of drone threats. These systems will be deployed across U.S. Army operations to enhance force protection and tactical readiness.
“This historic contract represents a defining moment for MyDefence and a strong endorsement of our position in the global C-UAS industry,” said Dan Hermansen, CEO of the MyDefence Group. “We are honored to have been selected by the U.S. Army as supplier for C-UAS procurement – an endorsement of the trust placed in our team, our mission, and our ability to deliver battle-proven technology at scale. This commitment from the U.S. Army further strengthens our dedication to the U.S. market, and we are accelerating our investments and expanding job creation across multiple roles in response.”
From Tampa, FL:
XTEND, a leader in AI-powered tactical autonomous robotic systems, has announced that Aliya Capital Partners and Protego Ventures have co-led a strategic $30 million extension to its $70 million Series B funding round, joining participating investors that include Len Blavatnik’s Claltech, Union-Tech Ventures, and Chartered Group.
XTEND’s AI-powered systems are actively used by the U.S. Department of Defense, Singapore, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Israel Defense Force to improve strategic capabilities and mission success in challenging environments. With this Series B funding, XTEND plans to scale up U.S. and global production, integrate real-time AI capabilities across its platforms, and expand deployments with U.S. and allied defense forces, as well as for humanitarian and emergency response efforts.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!