Blog

When I joined the Innovation District I was amazed at how many world renowned thought-leaders worked in St. Petersburg, particularly within the District boundaries. They are the keynote speakers at conferences, authors who publish reports that guide innovations in their field, and chairs of national and international committees.

Over the last 10+ years a group of volunteers have donated their time over months to prepare for the St. Pete Science Festival. These volunteers are passionate about science and technology.

Is there a project, technology or service that you think is innovative in St. Pete? We would love to learn more and potentially feature it in our monthly newsletter.

There are shared spaces... and then there are shared communities. Spaces, while important, are will not yield results such as innovative products/services, new grant funding, or joint ventures unless you spend dedicated time building a community within the space.

Data is helping make sense of what happened during Hurricane Ian, being used by CDC to mitigate health risks, and can drive future economic opportunities from the ocean. You are using data in your life and/or work more than you ever have before.

While much of the Hurricane Ian recovery is focused on land, District partners at NOAA have been collecting data about what happened with the water, and assessing safety of the waterways.

The Tampa Bay region, led by the St. Pete Innovation District, is poised to be a leader in the growing New Blue Economy. This is a different approach than the traditional blue economy. The New Blue Economy is a knowledge-based economy - data and technology lead the way for deeper analysis of challenges and opportunities in the marine environment.

St. Petersburg native Pat Mack is quick to note he is not an epidemiologist; he is a self-described computer science nerd. His company PVM, however, utilizes its data evaluation expertise to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduce public health risks by improving its surveillance and outbreak response efforts.

The Maritime and Defense Technology HUB has been nominated for a Good Burger award under the category "NEW BIZ ON THE BLOCK."

The Junior Scientist Program, part of the St Pete Science Festival, is looking for committee members.

Members of the Innovation District have been critical in the lead up and recovery after Hurricane Ian. Their work has local, state-wide and even national impact.

"Extreme Water Levels During Hurricane Ian" describes the path of the Hurricane and the resulting record high and low water levels across the state.

Blue Ring Imaging, a Hub tenant, showcased its latest underwater 3D visualization.

District organizations are taking time to give back to the community, especially with youth. Thank you to everyone for your efforts to inspire the next generation of our STEAM workforce.

The NEW Blue Economy is “a knowledge-based economy, looking to the sea not just for extraction of material goods, but for data and information to address societal challenges and inspire their solutions.”

Three Saildrones made their way into Tampa Bay and back to the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub (in the Port of St. Pete).

The Innovation District has had many celebrations over the first few months of 2022. Its been a whirlwind.

Congratulations to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg! On May 11th, the Pablo Valent, the 48th Sentinel-class fast response cutter, was commissioned into service.

Tampa Bay Innovation Center (TBIC) launched its Spring 2022 Cohort.

The healthcare partners of the Innovation District are in the midst of exploring what is possible.

The Hub and its 17 tenant organizations have had the privilege over the last three months to welcome several current and past Federal Government leaders to the building.

The future tenants of the Innovation District's Maritime Defense and Technology Hub were introduced to the community during a soft opening on December 15.

Volunteers of America of Florida broke ground November 5 with a new affordable project on 5th Avenue South. The project will bring 50 new affordable mixed-use housing units to the market and is aimed at low-income earners.

Bayfront Health St. Petersburg has announced a new education partnership that will support team members. Orlando Health, parent organization of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, has expanded its Preferred Education Program to now include St. Petersburg College.