Last year challenged us. It forced us to be resilient and creative in ways we could not have imagined. Though there is work to be done, the Innovation District looks forward to the possibilities of 2021 with renewed hope and optimism. This year we will accelerate the integration of ocean and human health, expand our marine science and resiliency expertise, launch innovative tools to strengthen STEAM workforce development, and increase diversity in the District's workforce and suppliers.
Reminder if you missed it in our December newsletter - St. Petersburg Innovation District released a report at the end of 2020 that reviewed what has been accomplished over our first four years. Link to the St. Petersburg Innovation District 2020 Report.
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.