Ideas can take months, even years to move from a nascent concept into a tangible outcome. Some ideas die in this forming stage. Others make it through after hours spent designing the solution, securing funding, soliciting partners, and otherwise proving that the concept is worthy of moving forward. In the Innovation District, where ideas are our currency, this is a typical scenario that we go through daily. It takes patience – and then more patience!!!
Eventually an idea takes shape and the outcome we had hoped for becomes real. For those that have been working behind the sciences to mold and refine the idea, it is a relief. For those that see the result for the first time, it is a chance to marvel at the magic that makes St. Pete special.
The Innovation District has had many celebrations over the first few months of 2022. Its been a whirlwind. Kudos to the teams behind the scenes and their enthusiastic supporters that made the following possible:
There are more projects coming. They are in the forming stage. We hope they will be successful, but we will have to wait and see. In the meantime, I am working on being more patient.
Thanks!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
[from the Innovation District May 2022 Newsletter]
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.