UBYou is honored to be recognized as one of three finalists for the Tech Catalyst of the Year Award at the 2025 Industry Appreciation Awards, hosted by the Horizon Council Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office.
UBYou was featured in the official Tech Catalyst of the Year finalist video, which highlights the company’s mission and the impact of UBYou Campus Wellness in empowering students.
Tech Catalyst of the Year Award Description
The Tech Catalyst of the Year Award recognizes a company with a strong and sustained presence in Lee County that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to strengthening the technology ecosystem in Southwest Florida.
This award honors organizations that exemplify:
- Long-term regional impact
- Workforce investment and development
- Community leadership and collaboration
- Meaningful innovation that extends beyond short-term business success or rapid growth
The recipient is a driving force behind the development of local talent, meaningful innovation, and partnerships that help the regional technology sector thrive. Eligible companies must be headquartered in, or have a significant operating presence in, Lee County and have been in business for at least three years.
UBYou’s Impact Highlighted in the Finalist Video
The official finalist video presents UBYou as a technology built by students, for students that supports student well-being and engagement. It showcases UBYou Campus Wellness as an innovative platform designed to meet students where they are and to help them not just stay in college, but thrive while they are there.
Through the video, viewers see how UBYou centralizes wellness tools and campus resources, reducing barriers to care, promoting connection to support, and encouraging proactive well-being. The video reflects UBYou’s belief that student success extends beyond classroom performance, thoughtful student-centered design can create better student outcomes.
Celebrated by Florida Gulf Coast University
UBYou’s recognition as a Tech Catalyst finalist was also highlighted by Florida Gulf Coast University President Dr. Aysegul Timur, who posted on LinkedIn:
“Florida Gulf Coast University is so proud of UBYou and Jack Hellmer, FGCU alumnus, for being one of the finalists for the Industry Appreciation Award in the Tech Catalyst category, presented by the Horizon Council Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development. Congratulations, Jack!
Our entrepreneurial FGCU students continue to do amazing things — that’s the FGCU Effect! Wings Up and Go Eagles!”
UBYou was founded by Jack Hellmer, an FGCU alumnus, and was developed through the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dr. Timur’s acknowledgment illustrates the broader institutional pride and support for UBYou’s mission.
UBYou Founder Jack Hellmer pictured with Florida Gulf Coast University President Emeritus Michael V. Martin and FGCU Small Business Development Consultant Tim Hall.
This moment reflects UBYou’s roots within FGCU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the mentorship and institutional support that helped shape the company from its early stages into a regionally recognized technology platform.
Strengthening the Southwest Florida Technology Ecosystem
Being named a Tech Catalyst finalist reflects UBYou’s broader contribution to Lee County and Southwest Florida, including:
- Developing student-centered technology with measurable impact
- Partnering with universities, nonprofits, and community organizations
- Investing in workforce development through internships and experiential opportunities
- Supporting a healthier, more resilient future workforce
From its origins at Florida Gulf Coast University to its continued growth, UBYou remains committed to building technology that serves students first while strengthening the regional ecosystem through innovation.
UBYou Founder Jack Hellmer receiving the Tech Catalyst of the Year Finalist Award for UBYou at the Industry Appreciation Awards alongside Dr. Guido Minaya, President of the Horizon Foundation; Helen Edenfield, Horizon Council Chair; Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass; Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman; and Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka.
This moment represents the collective support of regional leadership, economic development partners, and local government in recognizing technology companies making a lasting impact in Southwest Florida.
Thank You to Our Creative Partners
UBYou extends sincere thanks to Priority Marketing and M&M Multimedia for developing the Tech Catalyst of the Year Award video and for helping bring UBYou’s mission and impact to life.
Looking Ahead
Being named a finalist for the Tech Catalyst of the Year Award is a meaningful milestone for UBYou. It reinforces the belief that long-term impact is created through purpose-driven innovation, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to growth that benefits both students and the region.
We are grateful to the Horizon Council Foundation, the Lee County Economic Development Office, Florida Gulf Coast University, our partners, and the students who inspire this work every day.
