FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Southwest Florida businesses and organizations, led by the Horizon Foundation, are backing a global awards celebration being held in their backyard this April.

The Horizon Foundation, which raises private-sector money to support economic development efforts in Lee County, is a Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 Edison Awards, an international competition that celebrates innovation and ingenuity. The Foundation, along with the Lee County Economic Development Office, played a pivotal role in recruiting the Edison Awards to Southwest Florida in 2021, and the organization has sponsored the annual event every year.

"Southwest Florida may be best known as a premier leisure destination, but hosting the Edison Awards puts a spotlight on something just as important – our strength as a center for business and innovation," said Helen Edenfield, president of the Horizon Foundation. "We offer a truly pro‑business environment, and the executives, investors, engineers and innovators attending the Edison Awards will see that firsthand."

More on TelAve News

• $6 Million Funding Secured as Retail Expansion, Operational Streamlining, and Asset-Light Strategy Position the Company for Accelerated Growth $SOWG
• The "Unsexy" Business Quietly Creating 130+ New Entrepreneurs Across America — From Alaska to Puerto Rico
• Veteran Launches GTG Energy: Nicotine-Free Pouch as Americans Rethink Addiction, Focus, and What Fuels Performance
• RecallSentry™ App Launch — Your Home Safety Hub — Free on iOS & Android
• Award-Winning Director Crystal J. Huang's Under-$50K Film "The Ritual House" Wins Best Horror Feature at Golden State Film Festival

Joining the Horizon Foundation as local sponsors of the 2026 Edison Awards are the City of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University, Collaboratory, EmCyte, Babcock Ranch, Black & Veatch, U.S. Sugar and Blue Waters Development Group. Additional sponsors include U.S. News & World Report, Cargill, FPL, Lovesac, 35Mules and Cushman & Wakefield.

The 2026 Edison Awards will have a decidedly local flavor as five Southwest Florida-based businesses are among the international companies being honored for their innovations. Arthrex, ADDMAN, e2companies, EmCyte Corporation and Digital ShortCutz will all be receiving gold, silver or bronze awards in their respective industry categories.

Hosted by the City of Fort Myers, the 2026 Edison Awards ceremony will take place April 15-16 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. A full list of Edison Awards honorees, ticket information and sponsorship opportunities is available online at EdisonAwards.com.

More on TelAve News

• Grads aren't getting hired — here's what we're doing about it
• K2 Integrity Enhances Technology Capabilities Through Acquisition of Leviathan Security Group
• #WeAreGreekWarriors Comes to Detroit in Celebration of Women's History Month
• Energywise Solutions and Pickleball Pros Partner to Bring More Energy and Visibility to Pickleball Clubs
• Buildout Launches CRM, Completing the Industry's First AI-Powered End-to-End Deal Engine for CRE

About the Horizon Foundation

The Horizon Foundation was established in 1995-96 to provide a funding vehicle for businesses to invest in Lee County's long-term economic development and vitality. The Foundation raises private-sector money to support efforts of the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council to improve the area's business climate. For more information, please visit HorizonCouncilFoundation.com or call 239-533-6806.

About the Edison Awards

Established in 1987, the Edison Best New Product Awards™ honor excellence in innovation, celebrating the products, services, and leaders transforming how we live and work. Inspired by Thomas Edison's legacy, the program recognizes game-changing solutions across industries worldwide, offering global recognition, credibility, and connections that drive growth. The 2026 Edison Awards will be held April 15–16 in Fort Myers, Florida. Register at www.edisonawards.com.