S3 E17 | Rockstars in the Grocery Line: Meet the Most Innovative Minds in St. Pete

Alison Barlow, Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District, joins Owen LaFave to answer the common questions: What exactly is this district and why does it exist? The Innovation District is a geographical area along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg that brings together anchor institutions like USF, John Hopkins All Children's Hospital, and Bayfront Health to foster collaboration in science and technology. But it's so much more than the buildings. Alison explains how this unique public-private partnership seeks to create a strong job market in St. Pete by clustering industries, encouraging innovation, and supporting workforce development through education and exposure. The Innovation District has led smart city initiatives and ocean technology advancements and recently secured a $14 million NOAA grant to support data-driven ocean solutions. What about the future of innovation in the region? How about emerging technologies such as AI, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, lunar data centers, and deep-sea exploration? Listen in for Alison's take on the "rockstars in line with you at the grocery store"—world-class innovators at the top of their fields you didn't even know were part of your community.   The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC