Innovation in Action, by Espresso V - March 2026
Welcome to a special edition of Naples Tech Meetups, by Espresso Ventures!
Practical innovations.
Real applications.
Better outcomes.
One winner!
In an action-packed evening with our local business community, we'll explore how multiple innovations have been implemented in SWFL and their positive impacts on our region. And as a guest, you'll be able to vote for your favorite presentation :)
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Our Agenda for Innovation in Action, March 2026
5pm-6pm: Arrival, open networking with participants.
6pm: Presentations begin, on the theme of showcasing real innovations with real-world impacts.
Dr. Leandro Nunes de Castro is an AI and Data Science Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and Director of the newly launched Dendritic Institute. Through Dendritic - a Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Institute - he is leading initiatives that advance ethical, human-focused AI research and real-world innovation.
Our next presenter will showcase innovative, interactive patient solutions designed to enhance the hospital experience at Golisano Children’s Hospital in both Fort Myers and Naples locations. Blending technology and engagement, the solutions transform clinical environments into more supportive, uplifting spaces for both patients and care teams.
Eugen Bold will present his perspective on Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami as an emerging South Florida mega-region with exceptional potential for investment, talent, and innovation. A seasoned public policy and operations leader, Principal of Aveli Innovation Group, and candidate for Broward County Commission (District 6), he advocates for stronger regional alignment in infrastructure, governance, and public-private partnerships to reduce friction and accelerate growth, drawing on his experience as former Director of Policy and Public Affairs for the Broward County Commission.
Finally, Mike Abbaei Founder of Stratos Venture Partners (a Naples-based VC with a focus on Fintech) is a seasoned technology and financial services executive. He previously served as Vice Chairman at Broadridge Financial Solutions, where he led the $1.5B+ Customer Communications division serving over 900 clients and 138 million consumers. Earlier, Mike founded and successfully exited multiple companies, including Finix Business Strategies and Finix Converge, and held leadership roles at DST Systems, Legg Mason, Lehman Brothers, Kidder Peabody, and Bell Labs. Today, he focuses on venture investment and strategic innovation.
Selected presenters will share a concise, real-world case study highlighting:
The innovation itself
How it was implemented
The measurable impact it has had on their business
Its potential to scale beyond the initial use case
This is not about ideas or concepts. It’s about innovation in production and delivering results. At the end of the event, every participant in the room will vote for the presentation they believe demonstrates the greatest impact for South Florida.
Whether you’re building, funding, or leading innovation, Innovation in Action offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the technologies shaping our business community.
The session is moderated by your host, Espresso Ventures founder, Sebastien Leduc. Sebastien is a Tech Entrepreneur, Advisor & Investor, and serves as CEO of Appcom US, bridging cutting-edge tech with real-world outcomes that drive adoption.
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Naples Tech Meetups: 3 simple rules
1. Entrepreneurs First
Our objective is to help foster entrepreneurship and innovation in SWFL. We believe in community and synergy, to help existing and aspiring entrepreneurs build great companies from SWFL to the world.
2. Be Generous
We all have our businesses and projects to promote, but arrive to this group with an open mind and an objective to give to the community, first. Then magic happens.
3. Southern Hospitality
Be hospitable the Southern way. That's something that attracted many of us to relocate to our beautiful paradise of SWFL. Let's keep ourselves courteous, respectful, constructive with each other.
Looking forward to being your hosts,
Seb & Naomi
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Photography, video and marketing content generating during the event:
I understand and agree that Espresso V Corp (or "Espresso") may use, reproduce, distribute, perform, and publicly display my name, photographic likeness, and videography.