There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation. Good ideas... bad ideas... ideas that need time to marinate... etc. It seems undeniable (and simplistic to say) that innovation begins with ideas. Too often we don't give ourselves space and time to explore ideas for the sake of exploring ideas. If we did, what might "spark"?
The Innovation District is launching a new breakfast series called Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change. This series will be the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and concepts, learn about District partners' related efforts and engage in thoughtful (and hopefully spirited) discussions about the future.
We are looking forward to seeing what "sparks" at our first Morning Sparks on April 24th. For more details click here.
Have a great spring!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
Even with an extra day in the month, I am running late with the February newsletter. Its been a busy and exciting time. Last Tuesday we announced a new project - Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy.
The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest celebrated another incredibly successful event. The multi-day program began with a proclamation by the St. Pete Mayor and City Council, included sold out school tours during the week