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.
Last month, the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub kicked off the school year with a lively Retro Back-to-School themed Happy Hour. Tenants brought their families, and the space was filled with throwback snacks, classic laser backdrop photo ops, and plenty of nostalgic fun.
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay's 3DE initiative connects high school students with local and national businesses, giving them hands-on experience in problem-solving.
October always feels like conference season — a time when professionals from around the world gather to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen collaborations. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the OCEANS 2025 Conference in Chicago, a global gathering for those advancing ocean science and maritime technology.