The St. Petersburg Innovation District will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next week. 

Formed as a public-private partnership, the organization was created to foster collaboration among scientists, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and community members. 

Since the district’s launch, it has generated more than $3 billion in economic impact. An anniversary event is scheduled for April 10 at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Education and Research Building (at 600 5th Street S.) from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

“This means that there is incredible momentum,” said the district’s CEO Alison Barlow. “We have so many opportunities ahead of us, but it proves first and foremost that this model is working and the district is bringing together groups of people and is making an impact on our community.” 

In 2014, the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce began to create an economic development strategy for the community. This inspired district leaders to focus on six key pillars: marine science, life science, data and technology, entrepreneurship, art and education. 

Member organizations include spARK Labs by ARK Invest (at the ARK Innovation Center), Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the University of South Florida. The district, located south of the downtown area, comprises over 560 acres. 

According to IMPLAN Economic Contribution Analysis data, the marine science field now contributes $700 million to the local economy, This is an increase of 274% since 2018. Additionally, the economic impact of the life science industry has grown by 112% in the same time frame. 

Part of the district’s work, Barlow explained, is helping to create spaces “to incubate and grow innovation” in collaboration with entities such as the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and individual land owners. Additionally, the district’s team works with partners to help recruit new businesses to the area and grow existing companies. 

Networking is another key aspect of the organization’s efforts. 

“The magic occurs when we convene a cross section of folks together to work on a problem,” she added, “that they couldn’t independently solve.” 

Academic partnerships with the University of South Florida, Eckerd College and St. Petersburg College have had an impact on research, Barlow said. This can further the “understanding of critical issues in our community.” It can also create more learning opportunities for young people and ensure that they have the skills necessary for regional in-demand jobs. 

A variety of assets have been built in the district since it was established. These include Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Education and Research Building, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital’s Institute Square and the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

Looking forward, Barlow and her team will be focusing on implementing the district’s Master Plan. Published in January, work is already underway to start the process. Some tasks may take longer to accomplish than others. 

“We will be looking at how to increase mobility and the mix of types of construction,” she explained. “We want to lean into this idea of shared resources, such as parking decks, in the future because we don’t have a huge amount of land.” 

A Maritime and Defense Technology Hub expansion project, Hub 2, is also in the works. Barlow said that the original Hub, which officially opened in 2022 at 450 8th Avenue S.E., was created to be a shared workspace for the triple helix of innovation: industry, government and academia. 

The new investment should be completed in three to five years. Barlow said that the asset will focus on coastal resilience. 

“We are in the midst of preparing applications for the various grants that we are pursuing,” Barlow said. “Additionally, we have been working with the City’s staff and City Council on a referendum so that we can have the opportunity for a longer lease term at the Port of St. Petersburg.” 

The 10th anniversary event is open to the public. She explained that the gathering will celebrate 10 “pivotal” projects that “made a difference” in the district including the host site, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Education and Research Building. The asset was one of the first new construction projects in the area. 

“It was radical because it was really putting a very strong focus on research in our community,” Barlow added, “where we hadn’t had that before.” 

To purchase tickets to the anniversary celebration, visit this link.