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.
The team, known as The Continuum (Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, St. Pete Innovation District, Seaworthy Collective, Tampa Bay Wave, University of South Florida, and World Ocean Council), will operate both regionally and nationally, building on environmental resilience ecosystems in Florida while supporting startups through partner nodes around the country that serve as test beds for demonstrations. This broad geographic reach ensures that regional challenges are addressed with a holistic, interconnected approach, strengthening national innovation capacity, as well as offering American startups the potential for international reach.
This win is an exciting milestone for the Innovation District and the Tampa Bay Ocean Enterprise. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. To learn more click here (thecontinuum.blue)
For recent articles about the award click here (St Pete Catalyst), click here (TBBJ), click here (USF CMS), click here (NOAA).
Be sure to check out registration for our annual State of Science and Innovation below!
I hope you all have a safe and joyous holiday season. See you in 2025!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
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.