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
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.