Plug In Orlando! Optics & Photonics Innovation
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 for consideration. 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.
September Theme: Optics & Photonics
Guest Panelists: Carol Ann Logue, Executive Director, Florida Photonics Cluster · David Hagan, Professor and Dean, CREOL, the College of Optics & Photonics at UCF · Dr. Ty Olmstead, Director of Engineering, Ocean Optics and Chair, Florida Photonics Cluster Board
Plug In Orlando is spotlighting the future of optics and photonics. Join us for an evening of innovation, connection, and a live pitch showcase featuring some of Central Florida's most promising startups.
Plug In Orlando is teaming up with the Florida Photonics Cluster and UCF's College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) for an evening dedicated to the region's growing optics and photonics ecosystem. Attendees will hear from leading researchers, connect with corporate and academic partners driving innovation in the space, and watch a select group of startups pitch their technologies live to an audience of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Whether you're building in photonics, sensing, imaging, or adjacent deep-tech, this is a chance to plug into Central Florida's optics innovation community.
Pizza, networking, and inspiration are all on the menu! Connect with founders, corporate innovation leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners as we continue growing this gathering of ideas and impact.
Agenda
4:00 PM – Doors Open & Check-in
4:15 PM – Welcome Remarks & Introductions
4:25 PM – Fireside Chat: The State of Optics & Photonics in Florida
4:45 PM – Startup Pitches + Audience Q&A
5:25 PM – Panel Discussion: Corporate & Research Perspectives on Photonics Innovation
5:40 PM – Closing Remarks & Open Networking
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