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. Together we brought new technology jobs to St. Pete, facilitated collaborations that yielded new grant funding and revenue for local organizations, and fueled projects that are energizing our community.
Our plans for 2023 build upon those past successes and seek to take advantage of the incredible opportunities ahead. They include future development that addresses housing, shared amenities, office space, and entrepreneurial incubation; untapped potential for growth in our target industries; and development of "next generation" careers in science and technology.The top four priorities for the District in 2023 are:
In addition to these priorities, there are dozens of activities ranging from digital inclusion to youth STEAM education that we are planning as well. 2023 will be busy and if we do it right - the impact of our efforts will be transformational.
Not so long ago, talent and innovation blossomed in an area just south of Downtown St. Petersburg. City officials and community partners wanted to leverage the capabilities of key institutions—USF St. Petersburg, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and the Poynter Institute, to name a few. The point was to foster collaboration and show our initiatives to the world.
We will host another Trolley Tour and Happy Hour on Friday, June 13th. You will board a trolley with other Innovation District partners and learn about the history and future plans for the area. This tour will feature stops at Albert Whitted Airport, Florida Institute of Oceanography, and The Dalí Museum. The tour will conclude back at the Hub with a networking happy hour.
April’s Tech X-change was a hit, thanks to an engaging presentation from Digital Twin Marine. Shoutout to all the Eckerd College students who joined us! The audience was curious and interactive, asking great questions and eager to try out the virtual reality headset.