From Gainesville to St. Pete: Sparking a New Path with spARK Labs
Rovex partners with spARK Labs in St. Petersburg, Florida, to power the future of hospital robotics.
We’re thrilled to share that Rovex Technologies Corporation has been selected to join spARK Labs by ARK Invest in St. Petersburg, Florida. This is a milestone moment that will supercharge our mission to bring intelligent robotics into real-world settings.
“We are excited to welcome Rovex to the spARK Labs community! Rovex exemplifies what’s possible when deep insight and thoughtful innovation are paired with cutting-edge technology to create meaningful, real-world impact,” said Becca Brown, CEO of spARK Labs.
spARK Labs is designed to support founders and teams transforming bold ideas into actual companies. The program aligns with ARK Invest’s research thesis across five innovation platforms: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Energy Storage, Multiomic Sequencing, and Public Blockchains, placing Rovex squarely at the intersection of some of the most transformative technology trends today.
For us at Rovex, joining spARK Labs means better serving innovative hospitals across the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay region while accelerating alongside a community of visionary founders and builders.
We’re proud to serve as the flagship robotics company within spARK Labs in St. Petersburg. Our aim is to help foster a growing regional robotics community by learning together, building together, and welcoming more robotics teams into the space over time.
Although our headquarters will remain in Gainesville, Florida, this partnership establishes a meaningful presence in St. Petersburg that will expand our ability to pioneer hospital robotics across Florida and beyond.
Why This Matters Now: The Momentum Behind Robotics and AI
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be better. Robotics and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of global investment trends as both investors and enterprises look to deploy intelligent machines in the physical world.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s driving the market forward:
Record Capital Flowing to AI and Robotics
In 2025, AI startups captured nearly half of all global venture capital funding, with total VC reaching historic highs and AI dominating overall tech investment.
Robotics companies raised more than $40 billion in funding in 2025, accounting for roughly 9% of all global venture capital, which is a significant share for the physical automation sector.
Specialized robotics investment rounds soared: the first half of 2025 saw more than $6 billion poured into robotics startups, and early funding signals point to continued strong interest into 2026.
AI as a Catalyst for Physical Automation
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a software trend. It’s enabling a new generation of robots able to operate in complex environments, from logistics floors to hospital corridors. These “physical AI” systems are increasingly attractive to investors and enterprise adopters alike.
Investors Backing the Next Wave of Innovation
Venture capital firms and strategic backers like Alphabet, Nvidia’s venture arms, and others are making large investments in AI-powered robotics and autonomy platforms worldwide.
What This Means for Hospitals and Healthcare Robotics
As healthcare providers face chronic staffing shortages and growing operational complexity, AI-enabled robotics offer a path to safer, more efficient workflows. Our work at Rovex focuses on precisely these kinds of applications. We’re determined to innovate and implement practical autonomous systems that support clinicians and staff in ways that matter every day.
By joining spARK Labs, we gain access to a vibrant innovation ecosystem, mentorship, research insights, and potential pathways to scale more effectively, all while contributing back to the community that supports us.
Looking Ahead
The convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence isn’t just a technological trend. It’s a strategic investment priority for firms and founders shaping the future. At Rovex, we’re proud to be part of this wave, bringing thoughtful robotics commercialization to real-world domains like hospital automation.
