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Metro Development Group and Synapse, an organization that connects members of Florida’s 'entrepreneurial ecosystem' via an online platform and events such as the Synapse Summit, awarded $10,000 to Ibrahim Allam, a recent University of Tampa graduate who created an innovative piece of wearable technology.
Allam’s invention is a waterproof wristband that can tabulate vital business information at the Crystal Lagoons property located within Metro’s 1500-home Epperson community in Wesley Chapel.
By having guests wear the bands, Epperson staff will be able to track ticket sales, food/beverage purchases, customer activities and management metrics for the resort community, according to a press release.
The Synapse-Metro Lagoons Innovation Challenge has 25 teams. Wearable technology was the hot category, with five teams creating products for that segment. But it was Allam, who earned a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from UT, taking the top prize along with the other members of his “Team Blitz.”
According to the release, Allam’s bands are similar to those used at Disney World properties, but can be produced at a fraction of the cost.
“Through Synapse Challenges, we’re unleashing the power, creativity and excitement of the innovators in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida," states Brian Kornfeld, Synapse president and co-founder, in the release. "Team Blitz embodied what these challenges are all about and there could not be a more fitting winner. They truly show why innovation lives right here."
Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations at Metro, says his company plans to work with Allam to further develop and implement the wristband technology at the 7.5-acre, man-made lagoon amenity. “We’re thrilled with the results of our first challenge with Synapse, and next time we’ll make it even bigger,” he says in the release.