FIU research, innovation take center stage at eMerge Americas

In an era when technological change is accelerating faster than at any time previously, the innovation of FIU researchers was on full display at eMerge Americas 2025.

Now in its 11^th year, the global tech conference and expo on Miami Beach creates an ecosystem for innovators, entrepreneurs, industry experts and institutions of higher education to gather and connect over the course of two days. This year, FIU celebrated a decade of participation by giving passes to more than 750 students, faculty and alumni to attend the two-day event.

FIU showcased research in the College of Engineering & Computing, the FIU Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, as well as Aquarius Reef Base, cybersecurity initiatives, Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), additive materials and the hurricane research being conducted in the FIU Extreme Events Institute. Much of the innovation featured is “dual use,” meaning it has both civilian and military applications, like the work being done to invent and develop the next generation of foldable, deployable, reconfigurable systems that operate at higher frequencies in the Transforming Antennas Center.

The centerpiece of FIU’s exhibit booth were touch screens – wall and table top – that gave visitors access to a wealth of content around these research topics, including videos. FIU partnered with MultiTaction, a leading developer of advanced collaboration and  visualization solutions, to bring the touch screens to the FIU booth. (A MultiTaction interactive touch screen is the focal point of the university’s FIU in DC center.)

Everywhere all at once

FIU’s presence was felt in multiple ways. Several student teams presented their research in a morning breakout session on Thursday, March 27. Hosted by the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, the private event offered students an invaluable opportunity to pitch their research - on topics that included chip-smuggling networks and China's military modernization - directly to potential investors and future employers.

"EMerge is a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the vibrance and intellectual banter that sits at the seam of tech and geopolitics," said Brian Fonseca, director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, who participated in two panels at the conference, among them one on workforce development.

"It's so important that FIU put our students in spaces where they can engage with thought leaders and begin to build and develop their networks. This is the ecosystem, and these are the people, that they will be engaging with their entire careers." Among those present at student presentations on Thursday, there were seven tech company CEOs.

Walking the expo hall and sitting in on panels and presentations throughout the day were FIU students invited to attend by the university with free passes. Senior accounting major Paloma Hurtado appreciated the experience.

“The intersection between business and tech is becoming increasingly prominent," she said. "I see eMerge as a great opportunity to keep up to date on the latest developments. I've seen fellow students and alumni at the conference. It's been good for networking."

Elsewhere, university experts participated on several panels:

• Elizabeth M. Béjar, provost, executive vice president and chief operating officer, participated on the panel “Strengthening National Security: The Critical Nexus of Academia, Defense and Strategic Investment”
• Brian Fonseca, director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, participated on two panels: “Beyond Earth: Unlocking Innovation and Opportunities in the New Space Economy” and “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Talent and Innovation for Government, Defense and Dual-Use Sectors”
• Emily Gresham-Furton, assistant vice president for research, innovation and economic development, participated on the panel “From Lab to Market: University-Industry Collaborations for Resilient Economic Growth”

The event concludes on Friday, March 28.