On the final day of his trade mission in Italy, Governor Ron DeSantis oversaw the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and visited the Florida-bound production of Leonardo Helicopters.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Medical Microinstruments Inc., the University of South Florida, and Tampa General Hospital is centered on introducing advanced microrobotic surgical technology to enhance reconstructive oncology and cancer care in Florida. The goal of this partnership is to enhance cancer patients’ quality of life by rendering surgical procedures more accurate and minimally invasive.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Strengthens Business Ties In Italy With New Partnerships For Economic Growth
In Milan, Governor DeSantis met with Leonardo Helicopters to discuss their imminent expansion at Whiting Aviation Park in Florida. With support from Space Florida and the Governor’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, Leonardo Helicopters is close to completing a $65 million cutting-edge customer support center at the park located in Northwest Florida. Governor DeSantis urged the company to consider partnerships with Florida’s universities and tech firms to drive innovation and broaden prospects in the aerospace industry.
“Our trip has been extremely productive,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’ve forged new partnerships, attracted new jobs to the state, and identified opportunities for more workforce training and apprenticeships for Floridians. I want to thank everyone involved in executing this successful trade mission.”
Throughout the trade mission, Governor DeSantis:
- Met with over 30 businesses, organizations, and local governments;
- Oversaw two MOUs between Floridian and Italian institutions;
- Spoke at six business seminars with Floridian and Italian companies; and
- Attended eight roundtable discussions with stakeholders from ports, space organizations, life science companies, and universities to promote collaboration and partnerships.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Faces Key Decisions On Successors For Rubio & Waltz After Trump’s Picks
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, this trade mission continues to be a great success,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Today’s meetings further demonstrate Florida’s commitment to supporting local partners and companies like Leonardo, bringing jobs to communities across the state, especially rural areas.”
Jared W. Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, highlighted the importance of the partnerships formed with Italian seaport partners during the mission. “We have focused on sharing best practices, strategic trade opportunities, and understanding the needs of Italian companies as they expand across Florida. FDOT is proud to be an international leader in transportation and looks forward to future collaboration,” Perdue said.
Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, Jason Weida, also underscored the intersection of healthcare and technology during the trade mission, citing discussions between Florida healthcare leaders and Italy’s top industry players. “Companies like Medical Microinstruments Inc. emphasize the significance of cutting-edge medical technology. Florida’s vibrant business landscape will drive shared success through technological innovation,” Weida said.
In addition, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd led a delegation of higher education representatives to meet with Politecnico di Milano, Italy’s largest science and technology university. This meeting resulted in the identification of multiple potential partnerships between Politecnico di Milano and Florida universities.
“Italy is the ninth-largest foreign investor in Florida by employment,” said Secretary Byrd. “By connecting with Italian universities to develop cultural and economic partnerships, Florida can continue to build a dynamic workforce with students and graduates from the partnering universities in Florida and Italy.”
Florida’s life sciences delegation also met with representatives from the Milano Innovation District to lay the groundwork for potential collaborations in the life sciences field. Governor DeSantis’ trade mission has emphasized building relationships that foster economic growth, technological advancements, and new opportunities for Floridians.
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