Embry-Riddle student's drone startup wins $2,500 at Florida pitch contest
What's the deal? Mayott AerospaceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an aerospace startup led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → student Andrew Mayott, won $2,500 from Space FloridaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to develop a heavy-lift drone. The award came at the Florida Venture ForumDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s 18th annual Early Stage Venture Conference in Orlando on June 3, 2026.
The wider round: Six early-stage companies shared a combined $150,000 in investment from Space Florida at the event. Mayott Aerospace was one of three collegiate teams to receive funding, alongside Radical SolutionsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from Florida State University ($7,500) and Dirty BastardDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from the University of Tampa ($5,000).
Who else won? Two companies took the top Accelerating Innovation Award of $50,000 each: Aloft BiotechnologiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which is developing biomanufacturing systems for space-based cell culture, and E&P TechnologiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which makes high-voltage capacitors for fusion energy, defense, and grid applications. SmartCare360.HealthDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a digital health platform, received $35,000 as first runner up.
Why now? The conference drew nearly 300 applicants, a record for the event, with 32 companies selected to present before judges from Space Florida and the Florida Venture Forum. Companies were evaluated on innovation, market opportunity, and alignment with Florida's high-growth sectors, including aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies.
Winners are also eligible for a share of $80,000 in legal services from wiggin(x)Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a division of Wiggin and Dana LLP.
The signal: The record applicant pool points to growing momentum in Florida's startup ecosystem. "Florida's aerospace economy continues to attract the bold, early-stage innovators who will define the future of this industry," said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida.
Read more: exterrajsc.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
