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October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

The last couple of months have been challenging - physically, emotionally and mentally. Small moments of normalcy like celebrating Halloween are strange and welcome - at the same time.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

Kudos to the Tampa Bay Innovation Center for its recent additions. Nine bay area tech startups are part of the Fall 2024 cohort

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

Orlando Health, the private non-profit that runs Bayfront Hospital, recently announced the latest addition to Innovation District: The Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute – Bayfront.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

Imagine a day when you jump in an electronic, autonomous air taxi in St. Pete and head to Tampa International Airport or even to Orlando. This concept is not as far off as you would imagine.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

Saildrone and NOAA captured video from inside Hurricanes Helene and Milton from saildrone SD-1083.

October 31, 2024
November 1, 2024

A group of 40+ Tampa Bay business and nonprofit leaders, academics, and government representatives joined us on June 24th to discuss the NOAA Ocean-Ready Climate Resiliency Accelerator grant. Their guidance helped us to craft what we hope to be a winning proposal.

Two Stories Media
September 10, 2024
September 11, 2024

Our monthly newsletter is back!

September 10, 2024
September 11, 2024

Imagine a day when you jump in an electronic, autonomous air taxi in St. Pete and head to Tampa International Airport or even to Orlando.

May 23, 2024
May 31, 2024

Over the last few months I have used this space in the newsletter to create a picture of what it takes to foster innovation. November 2023 newsletter: Innovation is a team sport. It requires diverse perspectives and experiences to find a creative solutions. It requires courage to try things out and be willing to learn what won’t work as much as what will work. It requires tenacity to keep going and going and going.

May 23, 2024
May 31, 2024

Thank you to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital (JHACH) for sponsoring and hosting our inaugural Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change breakfast. The event was kicked off by Alicia Schulhof, President of JHACH, and followed by an overview of the topic - Artificial Intelligence - by Dr. John Licato of USF's Advanced Machine and Human Reasoning Lab.

May 23, 2024
May 31, 2024

Kudos to the Volunteers of America Florida, City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County for the recent opening of the new downtown apartments, located in the Innovation District called Innovare. Innovare’s 50 apartments provide stable homes for individuals and families who earn 60 percent or less of the Area’s Median Income (AMI), including many who are transitioning from homelessness.

May 23, 2024
May 31, 2024

Kudos to the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a technology incubator, accelerator and coworking office operating the ARK Innovation Center in the Innovation District. They recently announced the startups that will participate in their spring accelerator program. These startups offer a variety of intriguing solutions, many based in the Tampa Bay region. Keep an eye out for a showcase featuring these companies in July.

May 23, 2024
May 31, 2024

The Dali Museum is once again leveraging innovative technology to engage the audience in a deeper understanding of Dali. A recent NPR profile highlighted: Ask Dalí, a new installation based on a copy of Dalí's iconic Lobster Telephone sculpture, allows visitors to pick up the crustacean-shaped receiver, ask a question, and hear Dalí's response. The artist's voice, speaking in heavily-accented English, is made possible through generative artificial intelligence. The artist's AI voice was trained on voice samples taken from archival interviews Dalí did in English over his career.

March 21, 2024
April 10, 2024

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.

March 21, 2024
April 10, 2024

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.

March 5, 2024
April 10, 2024

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.

March 5, 2024
April 10, 2024

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

January 31, 2024
February 13, 2024

Last week St. Pete Innovation District hosted its 6th State of Science and Innovation. This event highlights innovators who are doing creative, thought-provoking, and impactful work. This is always a favorite event of the year and once again the event didn't disappoint.

January 31, 2024
February 13, 2024

The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida name Alison Barlow - Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District - as one of their 2024 Woman of Distinction.

January 31, 2024
February 13, 2024

For entrepreneurs, this network of support organizations can be challenging to navigate. The hope is that this map helps direct entrepreneurs to the best possible resources.

October 2, 2023
October 4, 2023

I am often asked "How does St. Petersburg compare to other Innovation Districts?" I have visited several Innovation Districts and met virtually with more. Each one is based on the same framework, sometimes explicitly and sometimes by happenstance. But their focus is different.

October 2, 2023
October 4, 2023

Entrepreneurs and established businesses struggle to understand the Tampa Bay innovation ecosystem. Whether they are relocating or already here, the diversity of support resources spread across multiple cities and counties is daunting.

October 2, 2023
October 4, 2023

The District Trolley Tour is a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and see innovation in action. The tour starts when you board the Trolley and meet your fellow passengers who have diverse interests and experiences but one thing in common - excitement for the Innovation District.

September 8, 2023
September 13, 2023

Hub tenants SummitET and The Darkstar Group have been recognized as fastest-growing private companies in America as part of Inc. 5000 2023. Both SummitET and The Darkstar Group share a common thread of innovation, resilience, and a forward-thinking approaches.

September 8, 2023
September 13, 2023

The term "innovation" is used to describe many things - a product, an idea, or even a place. I've tried over the years to find another word to use instead. Its an interesting challenge.

August 2, 2023
September 9, 2023

The size and scale of St. Pete fuels collaboration. Its hard to imagine another place where this amazing collection of innovators are sitting side-by-side from NOAA to Poynter Institute to the hospitals to the Dali... and everything in between.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

Sometimes you can get so busy you forget to pause, look around, and see what others are working on. When I do take the time, opportunities to meet with others are always energizing.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

In December 2023, four marine scientists will row 3000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean. This all-women team, Salty Science, has strong ties to our local community.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

New ideas are the foundation of innovation. These ideas can be born mythically in a garage, coffee shop and often in a research/academic setting.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®), a tenant of the Innovation District's Hub, has launched a new preparedness video podcast befittingly entitled “Bridging the Gap”, in which subject matter experts (SMEs) discuss the challenges that the preparedness and response community (e.g., first responders) face before, during, and after crises. Its fascinating to learn from the experts about these important topics.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

Are you a science nerd? Curious to learn about the work of the Innovation District's U.S. Geological Service (USGS)? Check out this virtual seminar Tuesday, June 13th at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

June 7, 2023
June 7, 2023

Do you know a University of South Florida (USF) student who has business idea they want to start? USF is accepting applications to its incubator program.

Guardians of the Gulf participants
April 28, 2023
May 12, 2023

We have recently seen two pilot projects expand and grow for positive impact beyond the Innovation District.

photo source: St. Pete Innovation District
April 28, 2023
May 12, 2023

Innovation is Creativity with a Job to Do

photo source: St. Petersburg Innovation District
February 28, 2023
May 12, 2023

There have been gatherings of dozens, hundreds and thousands of people to celebrate the phenomenal science and technology ecosystem in St. Pete.

photo source: City of St. Petersburg
February 28, 2023
May 12, 2023

Inspiring creative thought about Poynter Park and others

February 28, 2023
May 12, 2023

What does the future look like in 5 or 10 years?

January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

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.

January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

Curious what can happen when the USF College of Nursing and the St. Pete Innovation District work together? Listen to this 15 minute podcast conversation between Dean Usha Menon and Alison Barlow.

January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

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.

January 27, 2023
January 27, 2023

Mark your calendar! Next month - Saturday, February 18 - is the St. Pete Science Festival in conjunction with MarineQuest. Kids and adults will have opportunity to explore science and technology first hand with over 40 exhibits from NOAA, USF, Firestone Grand Prix, and more.

January 11, 2023
January 22, 2023

The St. Petersburg Innovation District hosted our 5th annual State of Science and Innovation to showcase local innovators and their stories.

December 1, 2022
December 6, 2022

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.

December 1, 2022
December 6, 2022

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.

December 1, 2022
December 6, 2022

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.

November 1, 2022
December 1, 2022

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.

November 1, 2022
November 29, 2022

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.

November 1, 2022
November 29, 2022

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.

View of Bayboro Harbor on Thursday after Hurricane Ian
September 30, 2022
October 4, 2022

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.

September 29, 2022
November 29, 2022

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

June 30, 2022
July 21, 2022

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.

May 26, 2022
June 9, 2022

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

December 10, 2021
May 7, 2022

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.

October 29, 2021
May 7, 2022

Duke Energy is finalizing a new state-of-the-art substation in the St. Pete Innovation District. This unique facility is changing not only the look of a traditional substation but increasing safety and performance. Watch the video above to learn more.

September 30, 2021
May 7, 2022

The St. Petersburg Innovation has been nominated for a Good Burger Award!

August 31, 2021
May 7, 2022

The Innovation District recently received two honors.

July 28, 2021
July 28, 2021

A city-owned building at 450 8th Avenue Southeast in St. Pete will soon become a hub for marine science, defense, and technology companies (From the July 2021 SPID newsletter).

July 28, 2021
July 28, 2021

Local youth recently conducted a series of interviews with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) professionals in our community about their careers (From the July 2021 SPID newsletter).

July 28, 2021
July 28, 2021

The Sunshine City and its sparkling waterfront parks recently became the center of Tampa Bay's red tide crisis. Rafts of dead fish were washing ashore quickly, and workers picked up tons of dead marine life from the coastline in recent weeks (From the July 2021 SPID newsletter).

June 29, 2021
July 8, 2021

The St. Pete Innovation District is excited to announce the release of our new website (From the June 2021 SPID newsletter).

June 29, 2021
July 8, 2021

“One of my dreams, and COVID proved it, is that internet is a utility like water, that everybody should have,” said Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District and co-lead of the Digital Inclusion Working Group (From the June 2021 SPID Newsletter).

March 31, 2021
June 8, 2021

Kudos to the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership for their 2nd annual Downtown St. Pete Development Guide. This report highlights what we all know and love about St. Petersburg. (From the March 2021 SPID newsletter)

March 31, 2021
June 8, 2021

Have you ever felt at a loss for how to assist a friend or colleague? Do you know the resources available for mental illness or addiction? A study released by the CDC in August 2020 found that 40 percent of U.S. adults (2 in every 5) are struggling with at least one serious mental health issue during the pandemic. (From the March 2021 SPID newsletter)

March 31, 2021
June 8, 2021

Remember that these four spots in the Innovation District have outdoor dining. (From the March 2021 SPID newsletter)

March 31, 2021
June 8, 2021

Consider your next office at this waterfront location. (From the March 2021 SPID newsletter)

Flyer Gadgets for Good 
March 2, 2021

Join us for our next Gadgets for Good drive.

January 29, 2021
June 21, 2021

St. Petersburg Innovation District released a report at the end of 2020 that reviewed what has been accomplished over our first four years.

January 29, 2021
June 21, 2021

The St. Petersburg Science Festival is looking for scientists, technologists, researchers, etc. to feature in a year-round Scientists in the Sun online campaign.

Gadgets for Good sign 
January 5, 2021

Join us for our first Gadgets for Good drive of 2021.

August Newsletter 
September 23, 2020

Updates about key Innovation District projects

Picture compilation of STEAM projects
July 30, 2020

July Newsletter:Art + Tech + Science

Flyer for Gadgets for good 
July 30, 2020

We are collecting gadgets to support members of our local community who do not have access to technology.

February - April Newsletter graphic
June 9, 2020

Here are the links to February, March and April.

No image included
March 17, 2020

DIGITAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE

November Newsletter 
November 26, 2019

The November newsletter recaps the last 2 years of the District, shares information about a collection of old gadgets for good, and invites everyone to the Grow Smarter Summit.

Newsletter focusing on 30 days of science, technology, and innovation 
October 1, 2019

The September newsletter focuses on 30 Days of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Two men from Johns Hopkins all children hospital
August 2, 2019

State of Science event in September, updates on two new capabilities for the District

Map of where karenia brevis is located.
April 29, 2019

Red Tide Recap, New Pedestrian Crossing, Latest Podcast and Four Cool Events

Happy New Year image from SPID- 2019 
January 14, 2019

Find out about a great program helping 5th graders.

Check out the State of Science newsletter
November 28, 2018

October Newsletter: State of Science Video - Podcast - Tour

November Newsletter 
November 28, 2018

District Update - NCIS, Housing, Kid Inventions, S'Mores

The Looper Trolley route
October 8, 2018

Grand Opening - Podcast Launch - October Events

No image included
August 23, 2018

Learn about upcoming events, international partners, and creative use for 3D printers.

Joint Institute workshop about how to contribute to the future
July 24, 2018

Explore Interconnections,plus Health of Pinellas County and a Visit by the Co-Founder of LinkedIn.

No image included
July 19, 2018

How the District is Nurturing the Future Workforce:Female Scientists, Nontraditional Techies & Kindergarten Prep

Map of what to find in the St Pete innovation district
June 12, 2018

Getting Involved: District Tour, Jake Tapper and Grouper Sandwiches

Speakers for IGNITE Tampa Bay
April 24, 2018

Seeking speakers for IGNITE Tampa Bay… plus guest columnists talk about Innovation in the District in our latest newsletter

Chevrolet race car on a track at the pit stops
March 30, 2018

This month learn why creative collaborations are our secret sauce.

Cartoon map of St Pete innovation district 
February 13, 2018

This month learn about our 2018 plans and check out upcoming events.

No image included
December 18, 2017

Welcome to our new monthly e-newsletter! Learn about innovative ideas and projects in our community.

November 29, 2022

State of Science Celebrates 5 Years

August 9, 2022

U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg

June 30, 2022

Marine Science and Data Analytics are two of the target industries in St. Petersburg (learn more at Grow Smarter).

June 30, 2022

Three Saildrones made their way into Tampa Bay and back to the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

As one of the oldest leadership programs in America and a division of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership St. Pete® seeks to identify, recruit and develop leaders who represent the diversity of our local community

The St. Pete Science Festival will be live in 2023. This annual event will be returning to the USF St. Petersburg campus, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife's MarineQuest on February 17 and 18, 2023. Exhibitor registration is now open. School group registration is coming soon. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again!