Southwest Florida's Innovators Shine in Global Competition

Southwest Florida is making waves in the innovation world. Five local businesses have made it to the finals of the 2026 Edison Awards, a big deal that celebrates groundbreaking products and services. This isn't just any competition—it's international, and the finalists are up against some serious global players. The finalists include Arthrex from Naples, known for its advanced medical devices; ADDMAN in Fort Myers, recognized for cutting-edge manufacturing processes; e2companies in Bonita Springs, praised for its smart utility systems; EmCyte Corp. in Fort Myers, honored for its medical technology; and Digital ShortCutz LLC in Naples, celebrated for its digital solutions. These companies are not just local heroes—they're competing with giants like Cisco, Dell, and Samsung. The Edison Awards aren't just about winning a trophy. They're about recognizing the people and ideas that are changing industries. Finalists are chosen from thousands of entries worldwide by a panel of experts. Since 2021, the awards have been held in Fort Myers, thanks to the Horizon Foundation and the City of Fort Myers. This year's ceremony is set for April 15-16 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center.The Horizon Foundation has been a big part of making Southwest Florida a hub for innovation. Established in the mid-90s, it supports economic development in Lee County by funding initiatives that boost the local business scene. The foundation's president, Guido Minaya, is thrilled to see three Lee County businesses among the finalists, calling it a testament to the region's growing culture of innovation. The Edison Awards themselves have a long history. Started in 1987, they honor the spirit of Thomas Edison by celebrating game-changing innovations. Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards, sees the competition as more than just a contest—it's a community where brilliant minds can connect and create. He believes that the connections made at the awards can be just as transformative as the innovations themselves. For Southwest Florida, this is a big moment. It's a chance to show the world that innovation isn't just happening in big cities—it's thriving right here. Whether these local businesses win or not, being finalists is a huge achievement. It puts them on the global map and opens doors to new opportunities.