Last year challenged us. It forced us to be resilient and creative in ways we could not have imagined. Though there is work to be done, the Innovation District looks forward to the possibilities of 2021 with renewed hope and optimism. This year we will accelerate the integration of ocean and human health, expand our marine science and resiliency expertise, launch innovative tools to strengthen STEAM workforce development, and increase diversity in the District's workforce and suppliers.
Reminder if you missed it in our December newsletter - St. Petersburg Innovation District released a report at the end of 2020 that reviewed what has been accomplished over our first four years. Link to the St. Petersburg Innovation District 2020 Report.
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.
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.
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.