For the St. Petersburg Innovation District, last year was defined by firsts, momentum, and growing regional impact. The relaunch of the Innovation in the ’Burg Podcast reconnected audiences with the people and ideas shaping our innovation economy, while the District’s first-ever Master Plan laid the groundwork for long-term growth and collaboration.
Momentum accelerated through the inaugural year of The Continuum, NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, the release of the second Tampa Bay Innovation Ecosystem Map, and the third Pinellas County Defense Contractor Networking Event—each strengthening pathways between research, industry, and opportunity. With 17 youth tours and programs delivered, progress on the Tampa Bay Ocean Strategy underway, and partnerships continuing to deepen, these efforts helped fuel a powerful year of progress in 2025.
As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in 2026 as we celebrate the District’s 10th anniversary and the impact we’ve created together. Mark your calendar for the State of Science and Innovation on January 28, 2026; the St. Pete Science Festival and MarineQuest on February 7, 2026; the 10x10 Celebration on April 10, 2026; and Anniversary on the Wharf honoring the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub’s fifth anniversary on November 13, 2026. The next chapter is just beginning.
Happy 2026,
The St. Pete Innovation District Team
The St. Pete Innovation District Master Plan received the 2026 Future of the Region Award for Built Environment at the 32nd Annual Future of the Region Awards
In the weeks following the devastating fire at the USF College of Marine Science lab, the St. Petersburg community proved that resilience is strongest when people come together
The Pole Star Defense team recently completed a volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity, rolling up their sleeves to support the community through hands-on work