Launch into IA
Launch into IA is our convocation for the new Innovation Academy students. The event kicks off the academic year by bringing all of the incoming IA students together and welcoming them to the University of Florida. This event is required for all incoming first-year IA students. Family members are invited to attend as well.
Launch into Innovation Academy
Kick off your journey as an Innovation Academy Gator at Launch into IA, our official convocation celebrating the start of the academic year and welcoming all new IA students to the University of Florida!
- Date: Jaunary 9, 2027, 9:30 AM — 12:00 PM
- Doors open at 8:30 AM — come early for a great seat!
- Family and friends are welcome.
- Attendance is mandatory for all first-year IA students.
- Business professional attire required.
At the event, you will:
- Be officially welcomed by UF President and meet your college deans as you take the UF Honor Pledge.
- Connect with IA faculty, advisors, and your incoming cohort. This is your first opportunity to meet classmates and begin building your IA community.
- Hear from Student Government leaders, an IA sophomore who will share their experience, and keynote speaker.
- Receive exclusive IA items such as free merchandise, curated swag bags, and enjoy light refreshments for attendees.
2027 Keynote Speaker: Josh Linkner
Co-Founder of Muditā Venture Partners
New York Times Bestselling Author
Josh Linkner is a rare blend of business, art, and science. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of four books, and widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost innovation and leadership experts. On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. He’s also the Co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global innovation research, training, and consulting firm. He loves music, playing jazz guitar, piano, and singing.
Over the last 30 years, Josh has helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion of investor returns. He feels called to help elevate business and humanity by helping leaders and individuals unlock dormant creative capacity. He is passionate about arming leaders with the confidence and capability to thrive amidst turbulence and volatility.
Past Keynote Speakers
- Rob Jones (2026)
- Retired U.S. Marine & Leadership Instructor, Echelon Front
- Brad Gamble (2025)
- CEO, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
- Brian Kornfeld (2024)
- CEO & Co-Founder, MaxU; Synapse Co-Founder
- Dr. Farouk Dey (2023)
- Vice Provost, Johns Hopkins University
- Kim Kaupe (2022)
- Teacher, Entrepreneur & Keynote Speaker
- Kai Kight (2021)
- Keynote Speaker & Violinist
- Gigi Butler (2020)
- Founder, Gigi’s Cupcakes
- Josh Linkner (2019)
- Tech Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author
- John Spence (2018)
- International Business Speaker & Author
- Julia Landauer (2017)
- NASCAR Driver & Keynote Speaker
- Kai Kight (2016)
- Keynote Speaker & Violinist
- Kristen Hadeed (2015)
- Founder & CEO, Student Maid
- Josh Greenberg (2014)
- Co-Founder, Grooveshark
- Abhi Lokesh (2013)
- CEO & Co-Founder, Fracture