Hardware Meets AI: the SCI Product Futures Summit 2026

In early 2025, we launched the Space Coast Initiative (SCI) to unify and amplify the region’s startup, innovation, and STEM-focused efforts. We’re excited to introduce the first flagship event under this banner for 2026: Product Futures Summit.

This summit brings together founders, product leaders, investors, and industry partners for a half-day deep dive into how AI, hardware, and next-gen product development are shaping the future of innovation.

Whether you’re building your first prototype or scaling a hardware venture, this summit is designed to help you move faster and smarter.

What to Expect

A curated 4-hour experience featuring:

Four Expert Panels

• From Idea to Market
  Commercialization strategies for first-time founders.

• IP, Licensing & Smarter Market Entry
  How to de-risk early-stage hardware and avoid heavy tooling costs.

• Hardware + AI
  How AI is accelerating design, prototyping, and manufacturing at every stage.

• Investor Insights
  What angels and VCs really look for in AI and hardware startups.

Meet the Angels 

An open-floor networking session with New World Angels, one of the most active early-stage investment groups in Florida.

Why This Matters

Hardware founders face a unique set of challenges, including long development cycles, high costs, tough manufacturing decisions, and capital constraints. This summit is built to give entrepreneurs:

• Real pathways to market

• Tools to reduce risk

• Access to investors and technical experts

• Connections across Florida’s ecosystem

If you’re building anything physical, this is the room to be in.

The SCI Vision

The Product Futures Summit is part of our mission to build a connected, founder-first innovation ecosystem on the Space Coast. Where hardware, software, and STEM talent thrive together.