The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub is one year old! No matter which date you use to mark the milestone - lease, move-in, ribbon cutting - this is an achievement worth celebrating. The Hub is home to 21 organizations plus the Innovation District. These include small businesses, academia, government and nonprofits. All are focused on the maritime and national security sectors with a heavy concentration on technology. There are currently 58 employees who are based at the Hub, with an additional 63 who are part-time.
These individuals have taken their commitment to engage with the Innovation District and give back to the City seriously. They have hosted technology exchange events, participated in youth tours, donated classroom supplies, provided internships, and hired local talent.
There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation.
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
Even with an extra day in the month, I am running late with the February newsletter. Its been a busy and exciting time. Last Tuesday we announced a new project - Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy.