Emerging Companies Showcase: Call for Solutions

November 4th - 6th, 2026 Broward County, Florida

18th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit

The Emerging Climate Compact Showcase invites emerging companies from across Florida and beyond to bring their solution to the stage for the South Florida community. Present innovative solutions and technology that will shape a more sustainable and resilient future. Looking for companies addressing real-world challenges in Coastal and Ocean Innovation, Green Technology, and Stormwater Innovation.

Who Can Participate

Open to early stage start-up companies from Florida and beyond.
An emerging company at or before Series A, building and validating its product and market.

Competition Categories

Coastal and Ocean Innovation – Solutions for coastal resilience, marine technology, and the ocean/blue economy
Green Technology – Innovations in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable systems
Stormwater Innovation – Ideas for flood prevention, stormwater capture, and water reuse

Prizes for the top companies in each category!

Key Dates

Application Window: February 1 - August 15
Finalists Notified: Sept. 15 (3 for each category)
Innovation Day & Finalist Pitch Event: November 4, 2026
Finalist Showcase at Summit: November 5-6, 2026

Prizes

Semi-Finalists

Attendance (x2 per semi-finalist) at Compact Summit
Travel Stipend (hotel, flights/travel, $100 per day food stipend)
Poster Display @ Compact Summit
Recognition @ Compact Summit

Finalists

One-Minute Lightning "Pitch" at Main Compact Summit
Winner Banner Acknowledgement over Poster
Finance Session with Lil Roberts (Xendoo)
Risk Management Session w/ Anita Byer (The Human Equation)
Business to Government Mentorship Session
Invitation to CEO Roundtable

Sponsorship Opportunities

Innovation Day Sponsor

$30,000.00
Exclusive sponsor of Innovation Day on November 4
Prominent Branding opportunities, including display posters, step-and-repeat backdrop, and other signage
Opportunity to distribute sponsor-provided promotional gift to attendees
Opportunity to provide welcome remarks at Innovation Day
+ Includes all benefits of Dolphin Sponsor
$10,000.00

Student Training Partner

$30,000.00
SOLD: Florida Office of Ocean Economy
Exclusive sponsor of student pitch/entrepreneurship training provided by Seaworth Collective
Prominent Branding opportunities, including display posters, step-and-repeat backdrop, and other signage
Opportunity to distribute sponsor-provided promotional gift or material to attendees
Opportunity to speak @ Innovation Day for up to 3 minutes

Main Track Partner

$10,000.00
2 REMAINING - Florida Office of Ocean Economy - Oceans
Exclusive sponsor of one of the main tracks (first come first serve basis)
Logo on award and banner above winner
Opportunity to be on stage with award winner with photos
Acknowledgement at Compact Summit during 1-Minute Pitch by Winner
+ Includes all benefits of Tropical Fish Sponsor
$3,000.00

Innovation Day Partner

$3,000.00
Logo on sponsor slide at Innovation Day

One Compact Registration

$465.00
+ Conch Sponsor
$1,000.00

Questions? Reach out to Katie at:
katherine@marineresearchhub.org

Apply Now

Our Goals

Facilitate collaborative research among university partners.
Attract capital investment for the commercialization, monetization, technology transfer, spin-offs, and job creation opportunities research offer.
Build a local talent pool to support the growth of the marine research industry and Blue Economy businesses.
Become a magnet for student attraction and retention.
Be recognized globally as the premier geographic location for marine research & development of research-based solution companies.
Establish South Florida as the Blue Economy Hub.

Contact Us

The Marine Research Hub of South Florida Inc. is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN (Employer Identification Number): 82-3626190

For more information about becoming a supporter or partner of the Marine Research Hub, contact Katherine O'Fallon.

Katherine@marineresearchhub.org

786-778-4453