City grant program supports startups
The City of Orlando has opened an application period for grants of up to $10,000 for organizations developing tech-focused events in the city.
Orlando Technology Community Support Pilot Program is a $65,000 fund that requires agencies that win awards to match the grant total.
A panel of five volunteer judges organized by Orlando Economic Partnership will decide who gets the money, with applications due June 29.
“As part of the city’s economic development strategy, we continue to focus on growing and nurturing a strong tech and entrepreneurial community in Orlando,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a news release, adding that the program is needed to encourage programs “that will build our tech talent pipeline and increase Orlando’s reputation as a tech hub.”
Workforce growth has been an area that has flummoxed large tech companies during the past few years, even as the need for technology grows.
The program was first introduced in April, when the city council discussed its potential creation.
According to the release, the fund will prioritize groups that meet three key goals on top of Dyer’s desire to build the region’s reputation: build the tech pipeline, catalyze private investments and increase collaboration among startup and existing tech firms.
In addition, the programs must have been held for at least one year before the application process.
A six-person panel, including a yet-to-be-determined city representative, will decide who gets the money.
The panelists will be required to disclose conflicts of interest with any applications. More information and an application is available at orlando.org/orlandotechpilotprogram.
Final awards will be announced Aug. 17.
The Orlando Magic’s competitive video game team has partnered with a virtual reality company for what it’s calling “exclusive” content with the team.
Exactly what the partnership with CEEK VR will mean for Magic Gaming fans and the team was not immediately clear, but the release hinted at “unique fan experiences.”
“We look forward to what this partnership has in store for our fans,” Magic Director of Sales Michael Forde said in a release.
Magic Gaming dropped its first two games of the season but has since been on a roll, winning its last three games. The team will compete in a midseason tournament starting tonight.
As Magic Gaming moves forward this season, CEEK will be featured on the team’s jerseys during gameplay.
The company will also film content that will be viewable through virtual reality headsets.
CEEK VR’s sports partnerships team is led by former New Orleans Saints lineman Akim Millington.
“Since the inception of the NBA2K league franchise, the uptake and fan involvement has increased immensely,” Millington said. “Combined with virtual reality we intend to offer an enhanced experience that fans will enjoy and remember.”