Issue 76 – March 2019
Users of Myolyn MyoCycle Share their Inspiring Stories of Success
Co-founders Matthew Bellman and Alan Hamlet established Myolyn in 2013 during their engineering PhD studies at the University of Florida. Matt spent years researching the biomechanics of the human body and how to apply functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve the health and functional ability of people with paralysis. During his research, he developed new stimulation techniques and control algorithms that result in more powerful and efficient cycling workouts for people with paralysis.
With initial funding from the Institute in 2015, the Gainesville-based company released the MyoCycle to empower people with muscle weakness or paralysis to get the best possible workout, helping to prevent disuse atrophy, increase local blood circulation, maintain or increase range of motion, and relax muscle spasms. Video testimonials from individuals who have achieved successful outcomes using the MyoCycle may be viewed here.
With initial funding from the Institute in 2015, the Gainesville-based company released the MyoCycle to empower people with muscle weakness or paralysis to get the best possible workout, helping to prevent disuse atrophy, increase local blood circulation, maintain or increase range of motion, and relax muscle spasms. Video testimonials from individuals who have achieved successful outcomes using the MyoCycle may be viewed here.
Peerfit, the leading digital health company working with employers to fully fund fitness experiences for their employees, announced an $18 million commitment from Virgo Investment Group, opening their Series C funding round. This investment will help Peerfit continue to expand its core brand, reach more employers and their employees, and will also help with the expansion into the Medicare Advantage space with Peerfit Move.
Headquartered in Tampa, Peerfit received initial funding from the Institute in 2015 and is the market leader in connecting employers and carriers with personalized fitness experiences. Through their digital platform, insurance carriers, brokers, and employers can redefine their benefits programs by giving employees access to a network of fitness studios and gyms, offering a variety of classes that cater to all levels of fitness by using workplace wellness dollars. More information about Peerfit may be viewed here.
Headquartered in Tampa, Peerfit received initial funding from the Institute in 2015 and is the market leader in connecting employers and carriers with personalized fitness experiences. Through their digital platform, insurance carriers, brokers, and employers can redefine their benefits programs by giving employees access to a network of fitness studios and gyms, offering a variety of classes that cater to all levels of fitness by using workplace wellness dollars. More information about Peerfit may be viewed here.
The Institute is pleased to announce that Gulf Power has renewed its commitment to support the organization through membership in its Leadership Council. Gulf Power is an energy provider and subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., with a history dating back to 1926, when Gulf Power Company became a public utility. Today the company serves nearly half a million customers in 71 towns and communities throughout Northwest Florida. Known for giving back to the communities that it serves, the company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening communities.
The Leadership Council is comprised of leading corporations, foundations, and service provider organizations who share the Institute’s vision for a vibrant diversified economy in Florida. Consider supporting the growth of Florida’s innovation ecosystem and join today to help shape Florida’s future! More information about the Leadership Council may be viewedhere.
The Leadership Council is comprised of leading corporations, foundations, and service provider organizations who share the Institute’s vision for a vibrant diversified economy in Florida. Consider supporting the growth of Florida’s innovation ecosystem and join today to help shape Florida’s future! More information about the Leadership Council may be viewedhere.
Garmor, a manufacturer of low-cost graphene oxide, rGO and developer of innovative GO production methods, recently developed a graphene-enhanced polymeric coating with a 390% reported improvement in tensile strength. Garmor stated that it is marketing this technology which has already been fielded and used in commercial applications.
In addition, Garmor announced the development of an innovative process for converting insulating polymeric fibers into electrically conductive fibers with minimal cost and no waste products. The method has resulted in composites with single-digit graphene loadings delivering conductivity as high as .023 S/cm. Garmor sees such performance as ideal for wearable sensors and other applications that require integrated approaches to solving weight and measurement issues. The company received initial funding from the Institute in 2013, and a video showing side-by-side testing of the original polymer (left) and the graphene-enhanced polymer (right) may be viewed here.
In addition, Garmor announced the development of an innovative process for converting insulating polymeric fibers into electrically conductive fibers with minimal cost and no waste products. The method has resulted in composites with single-digit graphene loadings delivering conductivity as high as .023 S/cm. Garmor sees such performance as ideal for wearable sensors and other applications that require integrated approaches to solving weight and measurement issues. The company received initial funding from the Institute in 2013, and a video showing side-by-side testing of the original polymer (left) and the graphene-enhanced polymer (right) may be viewed here.
TAO Connect Launches Self-Help Subscription Service, Increasing Access to Digital Mental Health Tools and Counseling Services
St. Petersburg-based TAO Connect, a digital platform aimed at making mental health therapy more accessible, efficient and effective, recently announced the launch of its self-help monthly subscription plan and corresponding mobile app. Through TAO’s newest offering, anyone seeking self-help services now has access to the company’s suite of online mental health tools. Beyond this option, users can also utilize the technology in tandem with a therapist of their choice, at a much lower cost point than traditional therapy.
TAO utilizes a low intensity-high engagement modality, meaning less face-to-face time with a therapist and increased engagement through self-help features. More than 100 studies in 20 countries have shown this method to be as effective as hour-long, in-person individual therapy for common disorders. TAO’s screening measure can help someone choose the best program for them, and its progress measure helps track improvement. The company received initial funding from the Institute in 2014, and more information may be viewedhere.
TAO utilizes a low intensity-high engagement modality, meaning less face-to-face time with a therapist and increased engagement through self-help features. More than 100 studies in 20 countries have shown this method to be as effective as hour-long, in-person individual therapy for common disorders. TAO’s screening measure can help someone choose the best program for them, and its progress measure helps track improvement. The company received initial funding from the Institute in 2014, and more information may be viewedhere.
Applications are being accepted through April 19, 2019 from early stage companies seeking to present at the 2019 Early Stage Capital Conference being held on May 9-10 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida.
The Florida Early Stage Capital Conference is one of the largest gatherings of angel and early stage investors in the state, and it features top speakers and high-quality presentations by some of Florida's fastest growing private companies. Also, hear pitches from students representing the top universities throughout the state as they compete to win the 2019 Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition. Space Florida will be contributing prize money again this year to selected entrepreneurs. More information about the conference may be viewed here.
The Florida Early Stage Capital Conference is one of the largest gatherings of angel and early stage investors in the state, and it features top speakers and high-quality presentations by some of Florida's fastest growing private companies. Also, hear pitches from students representing the top universities throughout the state as they compete to win the 2019 Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition. Space Florida will be contributing prize money again this year to selected entrepreneurs. More information about the conference may be viewed here.
About Us
Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Institute for Commercialization of Florida Technology supports and funds innovation companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups that are developing products that improve and save lives, and help companies improve their bottom line. The Institute’s economic impact between 2011 and 2018 was $1.4 billion, with an annual return on investment of 31 times to the State of Florida.