Each month our team confers about what to include in the District newsletter. We lament how to share all the amazing stories while not creating an encyclopedia (yes, I am showing by age with an old school reference). We are fortunate to have so many things going on in the District.
This month is no different. We chose to highlight accomplishments across our partners… and to share four upcoming events. Through the generous support of our anchor institutions and sponsors we can keep the costs of these events low or free. I encourage you to join us.
I am headed soon to the first Global Summit of Innovation Districts. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit Districts around the country. This will be the first time a large group of Districts have come together. I am looking forward to learning how they are organized, the challenges they face, and the tools/techniques they are using to foster innovation and economic growth in their communities. I’ll share some highlights of what I learn in our next newsletter.
Have a great month! I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Our summer youth tours are in full swing, and the learning hasn’t stopped. So far, we’ve hosted students ranging from elementary school to college age, with over 60 individuals touring the Innovation District. They’ve explored the world of phytoplankton with scientists from FWC and learned the basics of flight from the team at St. Pete Air.
Our next Tech X-Change will feature Dr. Ahmed introducing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, a FDA-cleared treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in specific parts of the brain found to be under-active due to depression. TMS is a breakthrough technology that has helped thousands of individuals treat, and even overcome their depression when traditional treatments like medication and talk therapy have not provided enough relief.