I recently had the opportunity to attend the inaugural summit of Innovation Districts. Hosted by the Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID), it was a chance to exchange ideas with 49 other districts from around the world. One of the most asked questions at the event was “how do we compare?”
I found there are differences in how districts have been established and are operated – including size, geographic location, governance. We have several advantages in these: our large district size, our waterfront location adjacent to a vibrant downtown is unique, and our eight-year public-private partnership provides a strong foundation.
At the same time, there are several high-level similarities that are validated by GIID’s research, including:
It was gratifying to see that the things we are working on align to this list. For example, we are focusing on emerging technologies, especially those that can be used across our target industries and provide unique capabilities when converged. We are also working with regional partners to not only facilitate innovation in our area but to help amplify and expand innovation across Tampa Bay.
This event confirmed for me that the St. Pete Innovation District is on the right track and at the same time has the potential to be transformational in the future.
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Join us on our next tour of the Innovation District! Our tour will begin at the HUB, and we will board a trolley with other Innovation District partners. As we travel throughout the District, you will learn about the fascinating history and exciting future plans for the area. We will make several stops for a unique insider view of the research and collaborations underway. Participants are invited to enjoy a networking happy hour back at the HUB, where our tour will conclude.
A group of support organizations, led by the Innovation District and fueled by a grant from Duke Energy, developed our first Tampa Bay Innovation Ecosystem Map in 2023. We aim to continue guiding entrepreneurs to the best possible resources with an updated version.
Josh Rojas of Bay News 9 recently visited the Maritime and Defense Tech Hub, where he was welcomed by CEO Alison Barlow and COO Lauren Bell for a discussion about the building’s future expansion. The Hub is already home to a thriving community of companies and demand continues to grow. To accommodate this momentum, leaders are envisioning Hub 2.0, a second building proposed for the west parking lot.