Plug In Orlando! Resilience & Emergency Response Tech
Plug In Orlando! Presentation, Pitches & Pizza
Join us on this monthly series powered by Plug and Play Orlando that brings together innovators, founders, academics, and investors shaping the future of Florida’s innovation ecosystem.
Each month welcomes a lineup of innovators and industry leaders driving Orlando’s Smart City transformation.
You’ll also experience three rapid-fire startup pitches from founders applying cutting-edge technologies to urban innovation. Interested in pitching? Complete the Application Form on the bottom of our website landing page. Applications will be reviewed monthly and selected startups will be notified via email.
Pizza, networking, and inspiration are all on the menu!
Connect with founders, corporate innovation leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners as we kick off this new gathering of ideas and impact.
October Theme: Resilience & Emergency Response Tech
Guest Panelists: Chief Buffkin, Orange County Fire Rescue · UCF Emergency and Crisis Management · Innovation Startup
Central Florida knows what it means to prepare, respond, and rebuild. Hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, and rapid population growth are putting new pressure on the systems that keep 4.5 million people safe. Meanwhile, local agencies are turning to drones, real-time data, and new partnerships to respond faster and smarter, and UCF and Orlando partners have launched a mobile resilience hub that brings power, connectivity, and support directly to residents during emergencies. How do first responders, emergency managers, researchers, and startups work together to build communities that don't just survive the next disaster but bounce back stronger?
This panel brings together leaders on the front lines of emergency response, planning, and resilience innovation. From Orange County Fire Rescue's UAV program to the technologies being tested in the field today, you'll hear what's working, what's still missing, and where founders can make a real difference. Whether you're a founder, investor, city official, or curious community member, you'll leave with a clearer picture of how Central Florida is getting ready for what's next and where the opportunities for innovation are.
Agenda
4:00 PM – Check-in & Networking
4:30 PM – Featured Speaker Presentation
4:45 PM – Fireside Chat
5:00 PM – Startup Pitches + Audience Q&A
5:20 PM – Community Announcements
5:30 PM – Networking
6:00 PM - Close
Admission: Free | RSVP required
Parking: Parking Garage D recommended, parking pass required https://parking.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/ParkingGuide10.25Online.pdf