Impact Report

Synapse FLORIDA

IMPACT REPORT

Driving Change, One Connection at a Time

Because of You, Innovation Lives Strong in Our Community

See the Impact Synapse Has Made in the Report Below

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IMPACT

REPORT

CATALYZING FLORIDA’S GROWTH AND INNOVATION

REPORT MADE POSSIBLE BY

2017-2024

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WHYSYNAPSE

In 2017, an entrepreneurial group with a vision of making it easier for innovators to find resources they need - and share what they have - came together in Tampa. From its launch at a local spot in Ybor City, the group envisioned a space where people, ideas, and opportunities could create new and meaningful connections - a literal synapse.

In just seven years, Synapse became synonymous with Florida’s impressive growth and innovation across industries, technologies, and communities.

Synapse showcases the doers, creators, and leaders who prove every day that

“Innovation Lives Here.”

This Impact Report, made possible through support from Florida Power & Light, with research provided by Washington Economics Group, is a reflection on our non-profit’s accomplishments and impact in its first chapter.

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ESO TALENT

  • GOVERNMENT
  • EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
  • INVESTOR
  • ENTREPRENEUR
  • INNOVATION ENABLER
  • CORPORATION

SYNAPSE MISSION

To spark connections and create opportunities that fuel exponential growth for Florida's most innovative businesses by bringing together leaders from diverse industries, technologies, and communities.

Synapse unites and ignites Florida’s innovators, fostering powerful connections across industries and communities to drive exponential growth.

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7 Years of Impact

  • Dozens of Programs + Events
  • 10 Innovation Challenges
  • 1,500+ Partner Organizations
  • 35k+ Active Participants
  • 1k+ Curated Content
  • 2k+ Executive Speakers

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Synapse achieves its mission by creating opportunities to

CONNECT, CATALYZE & CELEBRATE the innovation community.

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The Washington Economics Group (WEG) conducted an independent study of Synapse’s impact on the Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida, and the growth of the companies engaged with the organization. WEG’S conclusions demonstrated the organization’s significant impact.

The total economic impact of Synapse Summit to-date is $31 million on the Tampa Bay region. This includes $18 million in GDP and $4 million in Federal, State & Local Fiscal Revenues.

According to WEG, Synapse connected with companies experiencing strong revenue growth, which collectively generated a direct and indirect economic impact of over $57 billion in the Tampa Bay region.

These companies, spanning various informational, professional, and other knowledge-based services, contribute more than 39,400 jobs, $20 billion in household income, more than $31 billion in GDP, and over $7 billion in federal, state, and local fiscal revenues across the Tampa Bay region.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth in Tampa Bay

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The ripple effects of Synapse extend across the state. The WEG analysis concluded that all Synapse events in Florida had a total impact of $57 million. Of this total, 49% or $28 million is due to direct economic effects. The total includes $33 million in GDP and $8 million in Federal, State & Local Fiscal Revenues throughout Florida.

Synapse is a strategic driver of Florida’s innovation economy. By enabling groundbreaking ideas, strengthening talent pipelines, and attracting investment, Synapse helps to cement Florida’s position as a 21st-century leader in technology and entrepreneurship.

Synapse drives lasting economic impact by fostering innovation, workforce development, and global visibility. Through dynamic events and initiatives, Synapse fuels cross-industry collaboration, enables opportunities to upskill local talent, and elevates the community’s reputation as a global tech hub.

Synapse Statewide Impact

“This assessment illustrates that Synapse Florida’s activities are far more than isolated events; they are integral to the larger economic strategy for the State and region, positioning Tampa Bay and Florida as global players in the technology and innovation space.”

— Washington Economics Group Impact Report

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CONNECTING GLOBAL INNOVATION LEADERS TO FLORIDA’S INNOVATION TALENT

Synapse engages top local, national, and global brands to connect them to Florida’s innovation community. Creating meaningful and impactful opportunities has yielded new partnerships, career opportunities, and connections to essential entrepreneurial resources from capital to education.

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Celebrate, Discover and Engage

Synapse Summit has become synonymous with a celebration of innovation. An authentic, Florida-forward gathering of doers, creators, leaders and thinkers from across the state, Synapse Summit is the annual gathering place for innovators of all stages and industries.

The Summit provides fertile ground to share big ideas, challenge assumptions, showcase up-and-coming innovators, and eliminate barriers to access by bringing decision-makers together with opportunity.

Since launching in 2017, Synapse has hosted seven Synapse Summits, showcasing and connecting outstanding innovation leaders.

ATTENDEES EXHIBITORS

  • 1,533
  • 2,176
  • 1,154
  • 7
  • 29,813

SUMMITS

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Since 2020, 35 Mules Innovation Hub and Synapse have partnered to connect startups with game-changing opportunities. As Florida’s first in-house innovation hub powered by a global energy leader, 35 Mules exemplifies corporate innovation.

From sponsoring the Synapse Innovation Awards to sharing expertise at key events, 35 Mules has strengthened Florida’s innovation ecosystem. Its startups have taken the stage as speakers, exhibitors, and presenters—and some have even been recruited through Synapse connections.

“We greatly value the partnership with Synapse, who has proven to be a leader in convening and connecting the entrepreneurial community. 35 Mules is honored to support ecosystem partners such as Synapse, as well as scale startup companies within Florida’s top business climate.”

COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY:

POWERING INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS

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Synapse Innovation Challenges harness the power of social innovation to solve real and immediate business needs for nonprofits and commercial partners. By engaging innovators and “makers,” these challenges deliver creative solutions at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional research and development.

Participants bring fresh perspectives, fostering agility, collaboration, and problem-solving while activating a skilled talent pipeline. Challengers gain access to multiple innovative solutions, accelerating implementation and impact.

Challengers have included Tampa General Hospital, ConnectWise, Metropolitan Ministries, and the YMCA, among others.

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COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY:

CONNECTING ENTERPRISE LEVEL CHALLENGES

WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has been a cornerstone of the Synapse community since its inception. Recognized as the top hospital in Tampa Bay, the number three hospital in Florida, and one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States by Newsweek's World’s Best Hospitals 2024 rankings (March 2024), TGH exemplifies excellence in healthcare and innovation.

Through showcasing groundbreaking healthcare solutions, leading conversations on topics such as AI in healthcare, leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, and partnering with Synapse to address challenges like delivering healthcare to rural areas, TGH has forged meaningful connections and inspired innovators across industries.

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PROGRAMMING INNOVATIONS

These conversations enabled

learning and community while

celebrating innovation.

GATHERINGS

  • 35

PARTICIPANTS

  • 1,925

The “Libate & Learn” virtual series launched in the week following the initial onset of the pandemic, keeping the Synapse community connected to experts on the pressing issues of the moment and showcasing how innovators were meeting society’s changing needs.

Synapse Converge addressed two key developments in Florida’s innovation ecosystem: metro areas defining their innovation strengths, and the need for diverse stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions.

These gatherings, held virtually and in-person across regions like Tampa Bay and Central Florida, connected ecosystem leaders. Two virtual conferences in June and November 2020 provided high-quality information and networking for Florida's innovation leaders.

  • 10 GATHERINGS
  • 750 PARTICIPANTS

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COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY:

CONNECTING PARTNERS TO LAUNCH NEW VENTURES

Entrepreneurship is the ultimate team sport. Since supporting the launch of Synapse as its inaugural CEO and first board member, Brian Kornfeld along with Dan Greco have worked together side-by-side towards their common goal of building a stronger innovation community.

With their shared passions for growing community and team sports, it was a natural evolution to join forces to launch the startup, MaxU, a cutting-edge, AI-backed mental performance training platform for youth athletes to learn about resilience, confidence, teamwork and more, leading to better performance on and off the field.

When U.S. Army Col. Bob Dixon began planning his post-military career, he knew he wanted to return to Tampa Bay. He timed his fact-finding trip to coincide with the 2019 Synapse Summit, where he discovered the region's dynamic and diverse opportunities. Eager to immerse himself further, he joined the Synapse team as a fellow through the Hiring Our Heroes program, which helps retiring service members transition into the civilian business sector. While serving on the Synapse team, Bob built a strong network and leveraged his operational expertise to support the organization’s mission.

Fueled by the connections and insights he gained, Bob went on to launch multiple successful businesses in his new hometown, including Arete Strategic Consulting and 5 Eagles Leadership Coaching—both of which count Synapse members and leaders among their clients. He remains deeply involved in the community, serving as a Synapse volunteer and board member.

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Synapse Orlando

Synapse Orlando highlighted the local resources, investors, entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, agency partners and community leaders driving the region’s explosive innovation growth.

Through 4 events, Synapse Orlando engaged 5,070 attendees, 250 exhibitors and 538 participating companies.

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COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORIES:

SHOWCASING FLORIDA’S

MOST EXCITING STARTUPS

Synapse has created myriad ways to highlight Florida’s most dynamic startups—including scholarship exhibitor opportunities, speaking engagements, Innovation Awards, pitch competitions, Innovation Challenges, and more.

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Higher Education

Connecting industry and academia has always been at the heart of Synapse’s mission to inspire innovation—whether through featuring university presidents on stage, offering student scholarships that lead to career opportunities, or fostering year-round collaborations.

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VetConnect

VetConnect is a highly-focused six month mentorship program by Synapse and Action Zone that connects Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs with seasoned Navigators who provide personalized guidance, helping them navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, engage with key resources, and grow their businesses. Participants receive mentorship, access to support networks, and the opportunity to showcase their progress at Synapse Summit. This program is made possible by a grant from the Truist Foundation.

Innovation is inspired by stories and often lives in unexpected places. Synapse partnered with the Innovations of the World book series to publish three featured volumes highlighting innovative companies across Central Florida. These beautiful AR-enabled coffee-table books feature companies from diverse industries, technologies and communities.

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SHAPING THE FUTURE

The innovation community in Tampa Bay and across Florida has changed considerably since Synapse emerged on the scene in 2017. With explosive population growth, thriving industries across the state, competitive colleges and universities, and a dynamic entrepreneurial scene, there are exciting new opportunities for Synapse to continue to connect and catalyze Florida’s innovators.

Moving into 2025 and beyond, the non-profit’s leaders are poised to do just that.