The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub is one year old! No matter which date you use to mark the milestone - lease, move-in, ribbon cutting - this is an achievement worth celebrating. The Hub is home to 21 organizations plus the Innovation District. These include small businesses, academia, government and nonprofits. All are focused on the maritime and national security sectors with a heavy concentration on technology. There are currently 58 employees who are based at the Hub, with an additional 63 who are part-time.
These individuals have taken their commitment to engage with the Innovation District and give back to the City seriously. They have hosted technology exchange events, participated in youth tours, donated classroom supplies, provided internships, and hired local talent.
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.