Programs

Collaboration is a founding principle of SWFLTech. We bring tech entities together to share ideas and plan for action, having grown networking opportunities to include many fun events: Some members only, like our Raspberry Pi events, Miracle baseball games and golf outings; Others have been open to the public, such as our IMAG FIRST Robotics events for families and Everblades Hockey games. We are one of the original sponsors of the Hertz Hack-a-thon for students, providing not only funding, but also mentors, food, awards and swag.

Java the Hutts #14725 is a local FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team of eleven 7th to 12th graders from across Southwest Florida who won the top overall Inspire Award at the Florida State Championship to compete at the FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas.

Over the life of SWFLTech, we have offered a variety of scholarships and awards for students pursuing STEM education or career paths, including science fairs, design competitions, computing achievements and our “Student in Technology” Award.

Networking

Networking is one of the founding principles of the SWFLTech. We know the importance of making contacts and sharing ideas. Join us for our dynamic quarterly networking events designed to bring together tech enthusiasts, professionals, and innovators from across Southwest Florida. Our gatherings provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage in vibrant discussions, exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and build meaningful connections within the local tech ecosystem. What to Expect: Interactive Discussions: Dive into stimulating conversations on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the tech landscape in Southwest Florida and beyond. Expert Insights: Gain valuable insights from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts through insightful presentations, panels, and workshops. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Expand your professional network and forge valuable relationships that can propel your career or business forward. Community Building: Be a part of a thriving tech community dedicated to supporting and empowering one another. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes while contributing to the growth of the local tech ecosystem. Fun and Engaging Atmosphere: Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment conducive to collaboration, creativity, and learning. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or just starting your journey, our events offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of Southwest Florida’s premier tech networking events. Mark your calendars and join us as we come together to drive innovation, foster growth, and make a positive impact on our community. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, speakers, and registration details. We look forward to welcoming you to our next gathering!.

Networking is one of the founding principles of SWFLTech. We have known from our beginning the importance of making contacts and sharing ideas. Our monthly TechTalks began as an opportunity to network that has evolved into much, much more, but at the heart is still the ability to connect with others. We have grown networking opportunities to include many fun outings, some being members only, like our Raspberry Pi events, Miracle baseball games and golf outings, while others are open to the public, such as our IMAG FIRST Robotics events for families and Everblades Hockey games for all!

TECHmatch

Each fall we partner with Career Source Southwest Florida to invite current tech job seekers, tech students of all levels (secondary, vocational, and college – even if not yet seeking a job), and current tech professionals to meet representatives from the region’s leading tech organizations and employers.

There is no fee to attend the event, and it is open to everyone interested in the technology field and technology employment in the region. This event draws some of the top employers in Southwest Florida and has included: Sprint, Hertz, 21st Century Oncology, Summit Broadband, Centrury Link, Hyperteam, Cigent, Chico’s, iPartnermedia, Red Sneakers Mobile Marketing and Communications, Two39 Work Group, IT Vantage, Lee Health, Benseron Hospitality, Flight Docs, Reach Mobi, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, as well as educational institutions like Florida Gulf Coast University and Hodges University.

EMPLOYERS: Looking for a great taletnt pool to add to your team? Join us and register for the event

Youth Engagement

The members, sponsors and board of directors for SWFLTech understand the importance of youth programs; the technologists of tomorrow are in the classrooms of today. The SWFLTech not only helps to fund many youth programs, but our members give their time and talents by organizing events and mentoring students and teams. For nearly a decade the SWFLTech has been hosting or supporting hack-a-thons. SWFLTech is one of the original sponsors of the Hertz Hack-a-thon. We not only provide funding, but also provide mentors, food, awards and swag for attendees.

The members, sponsors and board of directors for SWFLTech understand the importance of youth programs; the technologists of tomorrow are in the classrooms of today. SWFLTech not only helps to fund many youth programs, but our members give their time and talents by organizing events and mentoring students and teams.

For nearly a decade SWFLTech has been hosting or supporting hack-a-thons. We are one of the original sponsors of the Hertz Hack-a-thon. We not only provide funding, but also provide mentors, food, awards and swag for attendees.

FIRST Tech Challenge

Your tax-deductible donation through SWFL Tech, as 501c3 nonprofit educational organization (FEID 47-1050923), will assist the team in covering expenses such as robot parts, printed materials, tournament registration fees, and essential travel costs, plus help to drive the future of innovation and technology in Southwest Florida and beyond!

Thank you so very much for supporting youth in Tech doing amazing things as they represent our community on the World stage!.

First Robotics

FIRST™ Robotics is a thirty-year-old program designed to encourage students from Pre-K to 12th grade to follow career paths in STEM with five age-appropriate levels: FIRST LEGO League Discover (ages 4-6), FIRST LEGO League Explore (ages 6-10), FIRST LEGO League Challenge (ages 9-14), FIRST Tech Challenge (ages 12-18) and FIRST Robotics Competition (ages 14-18). Many SWFLTech members and board members volunteer their time as mentors and judges for this fun and educational sport-like program. We also directly support local FIRST teams.

Java the Hutts #14725

Thank you so very much for supporting youth in Tech doing amazing things as they represent our community on the World stage!

Annual Tech Summit & Awards

Our annual Tech Summit highlights and celebrates many aspects of SWFL technology, and is typically held in August, with deadlines for applications in mid-July.

Below are some award categories

Innovation Award, recognizing technical achievement by a Southwest Florida technology company
Transformation Award, highlighting the use of technology in government, nonprofit, or companies outside the technology sector to address a business or operational challenge
Leaders in Technology Award, recognizing the leading figures at the forefront of disruption and innovation, playing a central role in helping organizations use technology to its full potential, as well as in the public, STEM programs, and sector for the benefit of the SWFL community
Technology Student Award, recognizing a high school or college student pursuing higher education or a career in technology
Startup of the Year Award, recognizing a local startup business with an entrepreneurial spirit that employs forward-thinking leaders, possesses a great work environment, and produces an innovative product that aims to disrupt the market
Leader in Adversity of Covid-19 Award (2020 only), recognizes a business professional in the field of technology that took a leadership role and made significant accomplishments for technology, community and or business during COVID-19 uncertainty

Tech Summit features an engaging emcee like past emcee Lindsey Sablan, Anchor at WINK-TV, and impressive list of keynote speakers like Jeffery Hayzlett, a primetime tv and podcast host, best-selling author and global business celebrity, and presents valuable information on subjects like “Exploration of the Modern Day Customer Experience,” presented by Chico’s FAS executives Ann Joyce, Chief Customer Officer and EVP of Technology, Supply Chain and Field Operations, Laura Loughran, Sr. VP of Omni-Channel Sales, and Russell Prentice, VP of Global Applications.

Scholarships

Over the life of SWFLTech, we have offered a variety of scholarships for students. The scholarships have been awarded for science fair achievements, design competitions, computing achievements and our annual student in technology award. We a happy to be able to honor and support so many students pursuing a STEM education and career path.