The Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave and the University of South Florida (USF) won a NOAA grant at the beginning of the year to explore establishing an Ocean-based Climate Resiliency Accelerator. This would create meaningful opportunities for data/technology startups to develop novel solutions in areas such as hazard mitigation, water-based renewable energy, pollution. To assist in our planning process, we brought together a cross section of government, private industry, academic, and nonprofit entities. The conversations were dynamic and delved into what is needed in Tampa Bay and across the nation.
For phase two of the project, we expanded the collaboration to include partners Seaworthy Collective, Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, and World Ocean Council. Together, we created a thoughtful continuum of services that provided entrepreneurs with a wide range of critical support. Fingers crossed - we are awaiting the phase two grant decision! In the meantime, we will be bringing our stakeholder group back together, along with our Ocean Team, this fall to continue the discussions.
If you would like to join in please email abarlow@stpeteinnovationdistrict.com
article originated in the September 2024 newsletter
photo credit: Two Stories Media
Saildrone and Palantir have announced a new strategic partnership that is set to transform maritime security. By accelerating the deployment of autonomous systems, this collaboration unlocks advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven maritime solutions at scale. In a world grappling with rising global threats and a shipbuilding industry pushed to its limits, this alliance signals a seismic shift in how we safeguard our seas.
The Innovation District hosts a quarterly breakfast series called Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change. At each session we explore emerging technologies, invite District partners to share their current related efforts, and engage in thoughtful (and hopefully spirited) discussions that will spark future innovation.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Florida District Office has named Pat Mack, Founder and CEO of PVM, as the 2025 South Florida Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year. Kudos to Pat for this important recognition.