Tech Progress Roundup: Over the weekend, Maclay hosted qualifiers for 37 local Robotics teams to compete for regionals. We’re excited to share the results soon. At FSU, researchers ventured into uncharted chemical territory to create magnetic materials. Meanwhile, Microsoft made a major splash in JAX by contributing as a sponsor to the PS27 Foundation event. Whether it’s twisting atoms into new patterns or backing groundbreaking initiatives, big ideas are clearly in motion.
Quick Summary
In this 535th edition, for local & state tech:
Tech Dev: FSU Researchers Tackle New Magnetic Material
Partnerships: Microsoft Supports PS27 Foundation
FL Tech Events
TECH DEV
NEW MAGNETIC MATERIAL
Image Source: FSU News
🧲 Twisting Spins: FSU Scientists Discover a New Magnetic Material | FSU News
Florida State University researchers created a completely new crystalline material that forms swirling skyrmion-like magnetic patterns—an exciting breakthrough for data storage and quantum technologies. ⚙️
The team achieved this by combining two chemically similar compounds with different crystal structures, causing “structural frustration” that makes atomic spins twist into complex patterns.
Using powerful neutron diffraction tools at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, they confirmed the presence of these unusual spin textures and analyzed their behavior in detail.
This discovery opens doors to higher-capacity hard drives, more energy-efficient electronic devices, and materials that could support fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Instead of searching for existing materials, the researchers used “chemical thinking” to intentionally design new magnetic structures—expanding materials options, lowering costs, and creating a more reliable supply chain for future tech. 🧑💻
PARTNERSHIPS
MICROSOFT | PS27
Image Source: PS27 Foundation
💻 Microsoft Takes Center Stage at the PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards | PS27 Foundation
Microsoft, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is a major sponsor of the 2026 PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards, reinforcing its commitment to empowering innovators and entrepreneurs in North Florida.
The event will be held on January 22, 2026, at the St. John Event Center, featuring red carpet photos, live music by the Jacksonville Symphony, and signature cocktails and craft beer. | Tickets
This year’s finalists represent standout leaders across categories such as Ecosystem Builder, Mentor, Veteran Entrepreneur, Corporate Innovator, and Entrepreneur of the Year.
The program is backed by top community partners including J.P. Morgan, FIS, VyStar, 35 Mules, and more—creating a strong support network for local innovation. ✨
Guests will enjoy an awards dinner hosted by Melanie Lawson of News4Jax, with city and industry leaders presenting the evening’s top honors. 🏅
STEM EVENTS
Image Source: MagLab
Saturdays, Jan. 3 to Jan. 24
Celebrate the Season with STEM Fun and Sweet Creations at the Leon County Public Library | Learn More
Saturday, Jan. 3 | 1 PM | Woodville Branch Library, 8000 Old Woodville Rd.
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 1 PM | Eastside Branch Library, 1583 Pedrick Rd., and Fort Braden Branch Library, 16327 Blountstown Highway
Saturday, Jan. 24 | 1 PM | Lake Jackson Branch Library, 3840 North Monroe St., and Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams S.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Future Ready Tallahassee Webinar Series by Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 12 PM | Online | Learn More
Thursday, Jan. 15
Featured Event: Science Night January 2026 | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6:30 PM | Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library, 200 W. Park Ave. | Learn More
📎 Innovations & Libations Networking Event Featuring CityClips | Thursday, Jan. 15 | Domi Station, 914 Railroad Ave. | Reserve a Spot
CityClips Ribbon Cutting: 4:30 PM to 5 PM
Happy Hour Celebration: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Monday to Friday, Jan. 12 to Jan. 16
2026 Theory Winter School | Monday to Friday, Jan. 12 to Jan. 16 | The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr. | In-Person Regular Registration – $325 (until June 2, 2026) | Learn More
FL Events
Thursday, Jan. 22
PS27 Entrepreneurship Awards | Thursday, Jan. 22 | St. John Event Center, Jacksonville | In-Person Regular Registration – $325 (until June 2, 2026) | Learn More
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026
Save the Date: 2026 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit | Tuesday, Aug. 11 | 9 AM | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay 2900 Bayport Dr., Tampa | Individual Tickets – $175, Two Ticket Package – $300 | Learn More
THIS WEEK
Image Source: JH Creative
Tune in for our 104th episode tomorrow on LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube, powered by JH Creative. We are excited to have Audra Fournier, a Certified Master Business Coach and Teaching Faculty member at the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Got questions? Join us live!
- Team CityClips ([email protected])
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