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- Hardware Meets AI: the SCI Product Futures Summit 2026
Hardware Meets AI: the SCI Product Futures Summit 2026
Where founders, investors, and industry meet to shape the future of product development.
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.
Register Now 📍 Groundswell Startups |
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.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here to explore sponsorship opportunities.
