By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

State of Science Impressed Us Again.

Last week St. Pete Innovation District hosted its 6th State of Science and Innovation. This event highlights innovators who are doing creative, thought-provoking, and impactful work. This is always a favorite event of the year and once again the event didn't disappoint. Personally I love the event for two reasons. First, my inner nerd gets a chance to learn something new (someday this trove of knowledge will win me a trivia contest). Second, I get energized by the ingenuity of our community members. I am confident that if we held an entire day of presentations it would be full of fantastic stories. Imagine 6 hours x 6 mins presentations = 60 presentations!!!

I want to thank the speakers so much for contributions! Its nerve racking to be asked to summarize your entire world into 6 minutes and then to be told you won't have control of the slide clicker. They always rise to the occasion and do fabulous. Please check out these speakers - visit their spaces (if possible) - and support their work.  

The 2024 Speakers were:

  • Dr. Hank Hine, The Dali - digital dreams: innovating the dalí experience
  • Dr. Nicole Raineault, Florida Institute of Oceanography - Peerside: developing the new blue economy workforce
  • Nicky Bruger, Digital Twin Marine - Digital twins in maritime and utilities
  • Dr. Mohamed Rehman, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital - Clinical Informatics & Human Digital Twin Project
  • Dr. Julia Pfaff, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg - Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implantation in the Surgical Treatment of Sleep Apnea
  • Dr. Shelly Wagers, University of South Florida - Addressing Human Trafficking with BRIGHT


Some of these organizations (and many more) will be hosting exhibits at the Science Festival and MarineQuest on February 10th.  I hope to see you there!

Alison Barlow

Executive Director

To read more about the 2024 State of Science visit St. Pete Catalyst and I Love the Burg.

You may also be interested in...

June 23, 2025
June 27, 2025

Not so long ago, talent and innovation blossomed in an area just south of Downtown St. Petersburg. City officials and community partners wanted to leverage the capabilities of key institutions—USF St. Petersburg, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and the Poynter Institute, to name a few. The point was to foster collaboration and show our initiatives to the world.

May 19, 2025
May 20, 2025

We will host another Trolley Tour and Happy Hour on Friday, June 13th. You will board a trolley with other Innovation District partners and learn about the history and future plans for the area. This tour will feature stops at Albert Whitted Airport, Florida Institute of Oceanography, and The Dalí Museum. The tour will conclude back at the Hub with a networking happy hour.

May 19, 2025
May 20, 2025

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.