From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina
Gainesville, Fla., September 5, 2025— The eighth annual Standing InnOvation celebration will kick off with a high-impact keynote session, From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina, at Santa Fe College’s Blount Center.
Returning for a second consecutive year, this entrepreneurial-focused session offers attendees an opportunity to collaborate and network.
Gator alum Melissa Medina, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, and investor brings 20+ years of experience to the stage. As the co-founder, CEO, and president of eMerge Americas, Medina has helped transform South Florida into a thriving global tech hub.
Under Medina’s leadership, the eMerge Americas signature event—a global tech conference and expo that launched in 2014—attracts over 20,000 attendees from around the world, positioning the region as a leading destination for innovation and investment.
“Mel Medina is a powerhouse of the Miami startup community,” said Melissa Kuchma, assistant director of corporate engagement and tech licensing at UF Innovate. “She has worked to build an ecosystem to support startups with technologies across all sectors… and she is an important part of accelerating innovation in Florida.”
During the keynote, Medina will share insights from her own journey, her role in shaping South Florida’s tech ecosystem, and advice for entrepreneurs navigating the startup landscape.
Following the keynote, Jackson Streeter, director of UF Innovate | Ventures, will host a fireside chat with Medina, followed by a Q&A session with attendees.
“Melissa Medina’s…passion for fostering innovation and successful business experience make her an inspiring keynote speaker. It is very exciting to have Melissa return to her alma mater for UF Innovate | Tech Licensing’s Standing InnOvation event,” said Streeter.
This opportunity is free and open to the public, provided by UF Innovate, and sponsored by Wolf Greenfield. It is the only way non-invited guests can gain access to the full Standing InnOvation celebration, honoring the outstanding contributions of UF innovators across disciplines.
Register now to attend From Founder to Funder with Melissa Medina here.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Sara Dagen
UF Innovate, Assistant Director, Communications
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