
There is a quote in the Innovation District office that says "Innovation is Creativity with a Job to Do." It reminds us all that creativity and the ability to see something new in old things - is at the heart of innovation. The Dali's Innovation Lab has a marvelous exercise in which participants take a fresh look at the objects around them as they stretch their innovation mindsets. Recently someone pointed out how an object that we look at every day reminded them of a favorite childhood memory.
So... we ran with it. What does it look like to you?
(This article was first featured in our April newsletter -to subscribe to our monthly newsletter click here)

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.

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.