It is daring to declare 2023 as the year of transformation for the St. Petersburg Innovation District. Especially since we reached new heights in 2022 that we had not even considered when the District began six years ago. Together we brought new technology jobs to St. Pete, facilitated collaborations that yielded new grant funding and revenue for local organizations, and fueled projects that are energizing our community.
Our plans for 2023 build upon those past successes and seek to take advantage of the incredible opportunities ahead. They include future development that addresses housing, shared amenities, office space, and entrepreneurial incubation; untapped potential for growth in our target industries; and development of "next generation" careers in science and technology.The top four priorities for the District in 2023 are:
In addition to these priorities, there are dozens of activities ranging from digital inclusion to youth STEAM education that we are planning as well. 2023 will be busy and if we do it right - the impact of our efforts will be transformational.
The Innovation District and six partners were recently selected to help grow startups that are working on technology/data solutions for the ocean economy. This powerful collaboration is made possible thanks to $13.9 million awarded by the NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerators program.
Kudos to Lauren Bell, the Innovation District's Hub Community Manager, for her acceptance into the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025. Lauren is a rock star at the Innovation District.
Are you like me? Give me a physical map and I get excited! Maybe its a carryover from the pre-GPS days, but I think it is such a fun way to explore an area.