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
The St. Petersburg Ocean Team is the premier consortium for marine science and related research, education and entrepreneurship in the Southeast. The Team is comprised of over 20 complementary firms, government entities, and institutions that are located near one another, many in the St. Pete Innovation District, that draw advantages from their proximity as well as the similarities between their workforce and vendor needs.
April’s Tech X-change was a hit, thanks to an engaging presentation from Digital Twin Marine. Shoutout to all the Eckerd College students who joined us! The audience was curious and interactive, asking great questions and eager to try out the virtual reality headset.
April’s event, Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change (GIS...Beyond Mapping) was postponed, but we're still buzzing with ideas. Whether you're a mapping enthusiast or not quite sure what GIS even stands for, we’d love to know: is there a topic you'd like us to explore next? What kind of innovation in this space sparks your curiosity?