This Week's Latest Tech News in St Petersburg, FL - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

St. Petersburg's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a remarkable 93% increase in tech exports since 2018 and an average salary of $87,980 for tech professionals.

The city's innovation district has become a powerhouse, with nine new tech startups launching in recent months, including standouts like Digital Twin Marine and Spontivly.

The Tech X-change event at The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub continues to foster collaboration, featuring cutting-edge presentations on AI and maritime technology.

Major employers like TechData and AWS are expanding their presence, contributing to the projected 28,000 tech roles by 2026. The startup ecosystem is particularly vibrant, with a 42% surge in density since 2020, attracting significant venture capital investment.

Educational institutions are adapting swiftly, with St. Petersburg College launching new programs in cloud computing and AI certification. This tech boom is transforming the city into a prime destination for innovation, offering competitive salaries and opportunities across various tech sectors, from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence.

St. Petersburg's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 97 active startups driving a 42% expansion since 2020.

The city's startups have collectively raised over $600 million in funding during 2023, marking a significant milestone in the region's tech evolution. Notable success stories include Spontivly, which secured $1.27 million for their data analytics dashboards, and SKUx, which raised $11 million in their Series A round.

The city's commitment to tech growth is further demonstrated by a recent $6.9 million federal funding recommendation aimed at advancing digital access for residents.

This investment surge has created a ripple effect, with companies like Squirm Tech pioneering autonomous marine vessels and EBS Stations developing innovative charging infrastructure for e-bikes.

The startup landscape spans diverse sectors, from AI-driven healthcare solutions by Medvise to decentralized finance platforms by Dexalot. Key impacts include the creation of hundreds of tech jobs, with companies like OneSeven Tech completing 88 projects across 22+ industries and iSOCRATES LLC generating $36.6 million in revenue.

This rapid growth is reshaping St. Petersburg into one of Florida's premier tech hubs, attracting both talent and capital while fostering an environment where innovation thrives across multiple sectors.

The TECHSPO St. Petersburg 2025, held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Hotel, brought together over 3,000 tech enthusiasts and professionals for an epic showcase of next-gen technology.

The event's focus on AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity transformed how we're thinking about the future of tech in our city. Backed by industry stats showing a projected 13.4% growth in computer and math jobs by 2026, the conference highlighted St. Petersburg's serious momentum as a tech hub.

The Synapse Summit portion of the event featured game-changing presentations, including an ocean enterprise accelerator program powered by a $14 million NOAA grant.

Major players like TechData and Jabil demonstrated how the average tech salary has reached $87,980, making the industry attractive for young professionals. The conference wasn't just about listening to speakers - it was hands-on, with interactive demos and real-world applications of emerging tech.

The practical opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech were front and center, showing how these fields are reshaping our city's tech landscape.

What made this year's event extra special was the focus on real-world applications - from smart city initiatives to innovative startup solutions. The energy was unreal, with participants getting to test new products and connect with industry leaders.

Local success stories and startup showcases proved that St. Pete isn't just following tech trends - we're setting them. The conference wrapped up with major announcements about upcoming tech initiatives and collaboration opportunities, setting the stage for even more growth in our tech community.

St. Petersburg is revolutionizing tech education through multiple innovative pathways. The Center for Construction Technologies at St. Petersburg High School exemplifies this transformation, offering students hands-on experience in construction trades while earning industry-recognized NCCER certifications.

This practical approach to education extends beyond traditional tech programs, with students in grades 11-12 participating in intensive three-period blocks at technical education centers.

Additionally, St. Petersburg College's dual enrollment program provides free college credits and textbooks to high school students, creating a seamless bridge between secondary and higher education.

The impact is significant - participants can simultaneously earn their high school diploma and associate degree without incurring costs for books, fees, or tuition.

Multiple pathway initiatives combine traditional coursework with technical training, enabling students to earn both high school and college credits while gaining industry certifications.

The program's success is reflected in its employment outcomes, with WorkNet Pinellas actively assisting graduates in securing positions in their chosen fields.

Local business partners contribute through regular advisory committee meetings, ensuring the curriculum remains aligned with industry needs.

This comprehensive approach to technical education has positioned St. Petersburg as a leader in preparing students for high-demand careers, with many graduates commanding wages up to 60% above industry standards.

The integration of practical skills training with academic education creates a robust foundation for students entering the workforce or pursuing further education in technical fields.

St. Petersburg's cybersecurity landscape has seen dramatic shifts in 2025, with local institutions facing unprecedented challenges. According to recent healthcare breach statistics, over 133 million records were compromised in 2023 alone, highlighting the critical nature of data protection.

The St. Petersburg Police Department, working alongside specialized cybersecurity firms, has strengthened its digital defense protocols, particularly after several high-profile incidents targeting local businesses.

This collaborative effort has proven essential, as cybercrime costs are projected to exceed $12 trillion by 2025, averaging about $32.88 billion per day globally.

• Local organizations have responded by implementing multi-factor authentication, conducting regular security audits, and participating in community-wide cybersecurity workshops.
• The St. Petersburg Innovation District has taken a leading role in coordinating these efforts, bringing together tech companies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to share best practices and threat intelligence.
• The formation of a dedicated Cyber Security Task Force has already yielded positive results, with a 30% reduction in successful phishing attempts across participating organizations.
• Local businesses are increasingly adopting advanced security protocols, with particular emphasis on protecting against ransomware attacks, which now demand an average of $2 million per incident.

The city's proactive stance, backed by a $2 million government investment in digital infrastructure, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a secure business environment.

These initiatives, combined with regular training sessions and enhanced

information sharing protocols, are positioning St. Petersburg as a model for urban cybersecurity resilience.

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg has transformed its campus with the launch of an Emerging Technology Lab on Innovation Lane, featuring cutting-edge AR, VR, and drone technology.

The $500,000 facility includes two rooms with expansive display walls and 25 Oculus headsets for immersive experiences. This development builds upon the success of St. Petersburg College's Innovation Lab, which has been serving both students and community members since 2014.

The lab's integration with USF CONNECT's business development programs creates a comprehensive ecosystem for tech innovation, providing access to specialized laboratory facilities and support for high-growth technology startups.

Dean Barbara Gonzalez emphasized the lab's forward-thinking approach, noting its role in preparing educators for future classroom technologies. The facility functions as both an educational resource and a community asset, offering training in emerging technologies while fostering partnerships with local organizations.

Through multiple grants and strategic collaborations, the lab supports various initiatives from STEM education to special needs learning programs. The space serves as a catalyst for innovation, enabling students to explore practical applications of technology while connecting with industry partners.

This integration of academic resources and community engagement positions St. Petersburg as an emerging hub for technological advancement and educational innovation.

St. Petersburg is crushing it as Florida's fastest-growing tech hub, with a massive 93% increase in tech exports since 2018 and tech pros pulling in an average of $87,980 annually.

The city's tech scene is totally next-level, with the Tampa Bay Innovation Center welcoming nine fresh startups and the ARK Innovation Center making waves since its 2024 opening.

The surge in high-demand roles like Cloud Architects, Cybersecurity Engineers, and AI specialists, with specialized positions offering even higher paychecks.

The city's got major tech energy thanks to heavy hitters like TechData and AWS setting up shop here.

Plus, St. Pete's Innovation District is straight-up transforming the game, mixing marine science, life science, and cutting-edge tech into one epic ecosystem.

Local colleges are stepping up too - St. Petersburg College and USF are rolling out specialized programs in cloud computing and AI, making sure the talent pipeline stays strong.

What sets St. Pete apart is how it's becoming a magnet for young tech talent.

The city ranked as Florida's #2 spot for tech jobs in 2024, and it's not just about the work - it's about the vibe. With no state income tax, amazing weather, and a thriving startup scene that's grown 42% since 2020, St. Pete is proving it's got everything tech professionals want.

The city's projecting 28,000 tech roles by 2026, and with companies easing up on experience requirements to fill positions, there's never been a better time to jump into St. Pete's tech scene.

Under Mayor Charles Brown's leadership, St. Petersburg is accelerating its evolution into a tech powerhouse. The city's transformation aligns with broader regional developments, as highlighted in St. Pete Life Magazine's March/April 2025 edition, which showcases the city's innovative approach to urban development.

The mayor's comprehensive strategy focuses on creating a sustainable tech ecosystem through public-private partnerships, exemplified by collaborations with Code Pioneers and GreenTech Solutions.

The 2025 Mayor's Small Business Conference serves as a crucial platform for connecting local tech entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities.

The city's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through three key initiatives:

• Expanding tech infrastructure to achieve 95% high-speed internet coverage by 2026.
• Establishing innovation hubs for startups to foster entrepreneurship and creativity.
• Strengthening educational partnerships with institutions like USF St. Petersburg to develop tech talent.

According to the recent Tampa Bay State of the Market report, these efforts are contributing to the region's rapid growth, with St. Petersburg emerging as a significant player in the Tampa Bay tech corridor.

The city has secured over $100 million in investments for smart city initiatives, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040.

"We are committed to reshaping St. Petersburg into a beacon of tech innovation, ensuring that technology fosters sustainable growth and enhances the quality of life for all residents," stated Mayor Brown.

These initiatives are projected to boost tech-related employment by 15%, solidifying St. Petersburg's position as a rising tech hub.

St. Petersburg's tech ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with 15 high-growth startups driving innovation across AI, fintech, and healthcare sectors.

The city's tech landscape has seen a 93% increase in tech exports since 2018, with major players like TechData and AWS establishing strong footholds. The average tech salary now stands at $87,980, making St. Petersburg an increasingly attractive destination for tech talent.

The city's Smart Parks Initiative and SunTech's R&D expansion are pushing sustainable urban growth, with a $1.5 billion investment plan creating over 200 new high-tech jobs.

Tech community engagement has reached new heights through regular meetups at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club and TECHSPO events. The Tampa Bay Wave's FinTech|X Accelerator program, partnering with USF and the St. Pete Economic Development Corporation, has become a catalyst for innovative fintech startups.

Notably, the city's tax advantages, including no personal income tax or capital gains tax, combined with a lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs, has attracted numerous tech professionals.

The job market continues to expand, with projections indicating 28,000 tech jobs by 2026, supported by new programs in cloud computing and AI at St. Petersburg College.

The Innovation District serves as a central hub for this growth, fostering collaboration between startups and established companies, while USF St. Petersburg's new Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences facility adds 65,000 square feet of research space to support tech innovation.

St. Petersburg's tech scene is totally crushing it in 2025, with projected job growth hitting 13.4% by 2026 and venture funding reaching $400 million.

The median salary for tech roles is sitting at $95,000 annually, making it a prime spot for young professionals. The city's startup scene has exploded with a 42% rise since 2020, and major players like Jabil and Raymond James are driving serious growth.

St. Pete was ranked #2 in Florida for tech jobs in 2024, proving it's not just another beach town anymore.

The local IT ecosystem is now supporting over 1,000 tech companies and 11,500 IT professionals, with hot jobs in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech. The cost of living is way lower than other tech hubs like Miami or San Francisco.

Entry-level salaries start around $45,000, but experienced pros are easily pulling in over $100,000, especially in roles like software engineering and IT management.

The city's also getting serious about tech education, with new AI certificate programs and strong partnerships between local colleges and industry leaders. Plus, with monthly tech meetups, hackathons, and a growing startup community, it's becoming easier than ever to network and level up your career in St. Pete's tech scene.

St. Petersburg's evolution into a tech hub has accelerated dramatically, with tech jobs surging 93% since 2018.

The city's Innovation District, spanning just one square mile, has become ground zero for this transformation, where technology, science, and art converge to solve real-world challenges.

The Innovation District's collaborative environment now includes major hospitals, research institutions, and tech startups, creating a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives.

Notably, the district's smart technology initiatives have revolutionized daily life, from AI-powered traffic management to improved public services. The city's commitment to tech advancement is further evidenced by its smart tech test bed program, which includes energy-efficient LED streetlights and environmental monitoring sensors that measure air quality and traffic patterns.

Recent installations of fiber optic infrastructure have enhanced connectivity across downtown, supporting Internet of Things (IoT) projects that improve everything from traffic flow to emergency response times.

The community's embrace of technology is reflected in the growing number of tech professionals choosing St. Petersburg, attracted by an average salary of $87,980 and a quality of life that combines innovative work opportunities with coastal living.

Educational institutions have responded to this growth by adapting their programs, with St. Petersburg College now offering specialized certificates in cloud computing and AI. The city's transformation continues to gain momentum, with nine new tech startups joining the ecosystem and the Innovation District fostering collaborations between marine science, life science, and technology sectors.

As AI and cloud computing reshape the job market, St. Petersburg stands at the forefront of this evolution, with 60% of tech managers actively recruiting for AI-related positions and starting salaries ranging from $120,000 to $160,000 for specialized roles.

St. Petersburg's tech scene is seriously leveling up in 2025, and it's wild to see how much has changed. The ARK Innovation Center, a massive $19.3 million tech hub, is already delivering on its promise to create 1,200 new jobs and generate $127 million in economic impact.

The monthly Tech X-change events at The Hub are bringing together innovative companies like Digital Twin Marine, showing how St. Pete is becoming a hotspot for maritime tech.

The city's startup ecosystem is thriving, with the Tampa Bay Innovation Center welcoming new cohorts of tech entrepreneurs and the upcoming TECHSPO Tampa Bay 2025 promising to showcase the latest in AdTech and MarTech innovations.

What's really cool is seeing how the new 45,000-square-foot facility is changing the game with its innovation labs, coworking spaces, and event centers.

Tech employment has jumped 24% since 2019, with median tech earnings hitting $92,903 in the region. The University of South Florida's plans to create Florida's first AI and cybersecurity-focused college is perfectly timed with this growth.

Between the regular tech meetups, startup accelerators, and major companies like Jabil expanding their presence with a $67 million Innovation Center, St. Pete is proving it's not just a beach town anymore - it's a serious player in the tech world.

These developments are creating a ripple effect across the entire Tampa Bay area, attracting diverse talent and fostering an innovation ecosystem that's becoming impossible to ignore.

With more than 11,500 IT workers and 1,000+ tech companies now calling Pinellas County home, St. Pete's transformation into a tech hub is no longer just a vision - it's our reality.