JUNO BEACH, Fla. – 35 Mules, Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) in-house innovation hub, is excited to announce the launch of its fourth cohort of startups, continuing its mission to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in Florida.

Launched in 2020, 35 Mules is a 15-month founder-based program designed to help startups grow and scale through mentorship, entrepreneurial and leadership coaching, pitch and storytelling workshops, subject matter expertise, and more. To date, the program has created nearly 50 jobs in Florida, helped its companies raise more than $80 million in funding, and delivered a $75 million economic impact to the Florida economy.

"The arrival of our fourth cohort demonstrates the growing momentum behind Florida's innovation ecosystem," said Danielle Mousseau, Director of 35 Mules. "These remarkable entrepreneurs are transforming their industries, driving innovation and contributing economic impact."

The fourth cohort was selected from 172 applicants across 16 countries and 19 U.S. states, representing diverse industries and technologies. Following in the footsteps of alumni companies that have gone on to secure major funding, expand operations, and even be acquired, the newest class of entrepreneurs will gain access to Fortune 500 subject matter experts and a tailored curriculum to accelerate their growth.

The Fourth Cohort Startups:

• ARSOFT created a platform called EyeFlow that transforms traditional technical documentation (typically paper-based or PDF manuals) into interactive 3D digital manuals within hours. 
• Detect is an AI-powered inspection and analytics platform that helps utilities improve how they manage and maintain critical infrastructure, with a focus on transmission towers, poles, and substations. 
• Linebird enables drones to perform hands-on work on energized power lines, significantly enhancing safety and operational efficiency for utilities.
• NanoSieve is a gas safety company pioneering the first indoor system that both detects and removes flammable and toxic gases in real time, protecting people, property, and infrastructure from toxic or flammable gas buildup.
• Oya Femtech Apparel is a health-focused innovation company transforming women’s activewear into patented, infection-fighting apparel.
• Ping Things created an AI tool called PredictiveGrid™ that allows utilities to quickly discover, develop, and deploy data- and AI-driven use cases, seamlessly integrating with existing sensors and systems.
• PoleCheck uses patented, certified microwave technology and algorithms to quickly, easily, and objectively determine the integrity of utility poles.
• Solitude Labs is developing a decentralized cybersecurity solution, designed to secure communications for distributed energy resources (DERs) and enable authorized devices to communicate directly with one another.

About 35 Mules

Launched in February 2020, 35 Mules is a 15-month, founder-based program agnostic to company stage and industry, helping to grow and scale the next generation of startup companies and boosting Florida’s economic development. Startups in the 35 Mules program receive access to a tailored business curriculum, entrepreneurial and leadership coaching, and pitch and storytelling trainings. The companies also advance their industry knowledge and gain exposure to new ways of thinking from Fortune 500 subject matter experts. 35 Mules sits under Florida Power & Light Company’s Office of Economic Development, which has been recognized as a top utility in economic development by Site Selection and Business Facilities magazines. To learn more about 35 Mules, visit www.35mules.com.