This Week's Latest Tech News in St Petersburg, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

St. Petersburg, FL, continues to accelerate as a tech powerhouse in 2025, blending strong digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and an expanding innovation district.

The city just hit a major milestone with the opening of Haddy’s 32,000-square-foot AI-powered 3D printing facility, now recognized as the world’s largest 3D printing factory using robotics and recycled materials - a move that not only creates skilled local jobs but also highlights St. Pete’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing (read more about Haddy’s impact here).

In space tech, St. Petersburg’s Lonestar Data Holdings made headlines by partnering with Sidus Space for a groundbreaking $120 million lunar data storage project, advancing the city’s growing role in the space economy and demonstrating the promise of off-world data security (details on Lonestar's space partnership).

The momentum extends to venture growth, as nine new tech startups joined the local Innovation Center’s accelerator, fueling St. Pete’s reputation for collaboration and entrepreneurship (see Innovation District news).

Together, these advances reflect St. Pete’s focus on digital equity, manufacturing innovation, and future-facing partnerships - trends that are redefining its economic landscape and community opportunities.

Hotwire Communications’ recent expansion into St. Petersburg is shaping the city’s digital future, offering multi-gigabit fiber service aimed at businesses, master-planned communities, and schools rather than individual residences.

Supported by investment from Blackstone, Hotwire’s strategy is grounded in a company-owned, 100% fiber optic network that provides speeds up to 10 Gbps, scalable solutions, and advanced features like automation, smart home tech, and security services.

The phased rollout in St. Pete follows a deliberate process that includes regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and hiring local staff to ensure high-touch, concierge-level customer support, with all employees living in the region - Hotwire does not outsource call centers or technical roles, strengthening its local ties (learn more about Hotwire’s expansion model). Beyond the backbone of reliable, symmetrical fiber connectivity, Hotwire’s tailored solutions for businesses include Metro Ethernet links, managed Wi-Fi, colocation services, and hosted PBX - enabling high uptime and flexibility for cloud-based operations and video conferencing.

Their Fision Work service delivers a customizable network, dedicated business-class bandwidth, and robust security options to help local companies adapt and grow (details on Fision Work for business).

• Competitive landscape: Hotwire joins a competitive fiber market in St. Pete, with other providers like HyperFiber also investing heavily in the area.

  “St. Petersburg is quickly becoming Florida’s next digital hub, with companies like Hotwire and HyperFiber racing to provide the fastest, most reliable internet infrastructure,” says Michael Wilson.

• Economic impact: As St. Petersburg expands its fiber infrastructure, local businesses are in a position to benefit from higher speeds, better reliability, and stronger support - contributing to the city’s vision for a modern, innovation-ready economy (see how HyperFiber is investing locally).

Provider	Service Focus	Key Feature
Hotwire Communications	Businesses, Communities, Schools	Company-owned Fiber Network up to 10 Gbps
HyperFiber	Businesses & Residents	Heavy Local Investment in Fiber Expansion

St. Petersburg marked a milestone this week with the launch of Haddy’s AI-powered 3D printing microfactory, now recognized as the largest facility of its type globally.

Situated at 251 10th Street North, the 32,000-square-foot plant doesn’t just leverage cutting-edge 3D printing - it combines eight advanced robots with artificial intelligence and machine learning to craft furniture and other products using recycled plastics and fishing nets, reducing waste and relying on local materials.

This move shifts manufacturing closer to home and is part of Haddy’s “proximate manufacturing” model to limit supply chain disruptions and promote sustainability, as highlighted by CEO Richard Lee and supported by partnerships with Siemens AG and CEAD. The opening also symbolizes a new era for local industry; as Lee put it, the facility “represents one of the most significant leaps forward for the ‘reindustrialization’ movement in the United States” in this news report.

The factory’s impact extends well beyond production:

• Job Creation: Haddy currently employs 12 people, including engineers and designers, with plans for continued growth as customized manufacturing expands locally. Expanding local workforce means more opportunities for community members, as described here.
• Environmental Benefits: The facility focuses on large-format products made from fully recyclable, sustainable materials, supporting eco-friendly production methods that help divert plastic waste from landfills.
• Workforce Development: With a small but skilled team, the company is expected to foster STEM opportunities in St. Petersburg’s science, technology, and engineering sectors as its microfactory network grows.

Key performance features of the microfactory are:

Key Metric	2025 Status	Notable Impact
Square Footage	32,000	Largest global facility
Recycled Materials Used	100%	Environmental leadership
Production Robots	8	AI-automation speeds production
Initial Jobs Created	12	New tech careers launched
Production Capacity	16x nearest competitor	Industry-leading output

By prioritizing local manufacturing, AI-driven robotics, and sustainability, Haddy’s St. Petersburg microfactory reflects how modern technology can reimagine U.S. manufacturing for the future.

To learn more about the facility’s groundbreaking approach, visit Haddy’s official website here.

St. Petersburg has secured a prominent position in the 2025 WalletHub “Best Large Cities to Start a Business” rankings, placing sixth nationwide and reinforcing its reputation as a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

WalletHub’s analysis of 100 large U.S. cities considered factors such as business survival rates, labor costs, office rent affordability, access to resources, and entrepreneurial activity. St. Pete is one of six Florida cities in the top 10, reflecting the state’s growing appeal for new ventures.

• Welcoming business environment: St. Pete stands out for its quality of life and work-life balance, attracting both founders and technical talent.
• Entrepreneur support: Local initiatives such as business incubators and flexible workspace providers help lower barriers for new startups.
• Affordability: The region offers affordable office space and lower tech salaries, making it more accessible for early-stage companies.
• Access to capital: The growing presence of venture capital funds enhances funding options for local businesses.
• Skilled workforce: The city’s network of STEM talent benefits from a steady stream of graduates from nearby universities.

For context, St. Pete’s place alongside powerhouse cities like Orlando and Tampa demonstrates the area’s ongoing momentum as a Florida and national startup hotspot.

Ranking Factor	St. Pete Strength	Comparison to Other Cities
Business Survival Rate	High	Among Top 10
Office Rent Affordability	Competitive	Beats National Average
STEM Talent Availability	Strong Pipeline	Comparable to Orlando

St. Petersburg’s consistent quality of life, supportive business initiatives, and affordable operating costs make it a rising star for startups and innovation in Florida’s competitive landscape. - Charles Jackson

For a detailed breakdown of the ranking criteria and St. Pete’s national standing, you can visit the full WalletHub report here.

Additional local coverage of the ranking, including recent business and community accolades, is available through the St. Pete Catalyst’s feature here.

For a statewide perspective, including how St. Pete fits into Florida’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, see this summary from FingerLakes1 here.

Jabil Inc., a global engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions provider based in St. Petersburg, announced the appointment of Sujatha Chandrasekaran to its Board of Directors this week - marking a step forward in both strategic innovation and boardroom diversity.

Chandrasekaran's extensive leadership spans healthcare, retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing, including previous executive roles as Chief Digital and Information Officer at Kimberly-Clark, Global Chief Technology and Data Officer at Walmart, and Senior Executive Vice President at CommonSpirit Health.

At CommonSpirit, she enhanced interoperability and led major digital initiatives across 1,500 care sites and 140 hospitals, linking over 75,000 employees and physicians through technology, and was recognized as a top woman leader in healthcare by Modern Healthcare.

Jabil’s board now expands from nine to ten members, with Chandrasekaran’s appointment expected to support the company’s commitments to shareholders, customers, and communities as it accelerates its focus on AI, data transformation, and operational efficiency.

Her experience leading digital transformation for global businesses with revenues ranging from $3 billion to $500 billion brings a unique perspective that Jabil’s leadership values as the company continues to execute on its innovation agenda according to Jabil’s official announcement.

Chandrasekaran is also active on several other boards, including American Eagle Outfitters, Brenntag SE, ATOS SE, Agendia, and Pando AI, and is a founder of the non-profit T200 Foundation, which fosters the growth of women in technology through mentorship and professional development.

With over 100 sites worldwide and a steady national ranking among the top companies in the Tampa Bay region, Jabil’s latest decision highlights its role as an industry leader.

The company views Chandrasekaran’s expertise in technology, portfolio strategy, and board governance as critical assets for ongoing transformation. For further details about her career and positions, you can view her extensive profile on MarketScreener.

St. Petersburg has taken a major step onto the global space technology stage as Lonestar Data Holdings and Sidus Space announced a $120 million agreement to deliver secure lunar data storage using a fleet of six LizzieSat satellites.

This deal positions Sidus Space as the lead contractor responsible for designing, building, and overseeing on-orbit operations for the lunar-based data infrastructure, leveraging its Florida-based manufacturing center near Cape Canaveral and the city’s skilled tech workforce.

Sidus Space’s CEO Jessica Martinez described the contract as a pivotal step in their collaboration, emphasizing the adaptability of their LizzieSat platform and its ability to meet mission-critical needs beyond Earth, while also creating skilled jobs and supplier opportunities in St. Pete. Lonestar selected Sidus Space after a competitive, nationwide process and is aiming to improve data resilience against cyberattacks and disasters by moving backup capabilities off-planet, a service expected to attract global interest as threats to terrestrial data security continue to grow (details here).

• Full project lifecycle: The project covers the full cycle from satellite design, payload integration, launch support, and ongoing spacecraft management in lunar orbit, using Sidus’s proprietary multimission, 3D-printed LizzieSat satellites (explore the agreement).
• Historical achievement: Lonestar has already made history with its “Freedom” data center launched aboard Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C, and the new partnership shifts focus to lunar satellites for increased reliability and independence from lander missions (see more).
• Economic impact: Initial projections suggest over 65 high-tech jobs and significant economic benefits for St. Pete’s local ecosystem in 2025.

The table below summarizes key metrics for this milestone:

Key Metric	Impact	Source
Total Partnership Value	$120 Million	Tampa Bay Business Journal
New Tech Jobs Created	65+	Sidus Space
Data Storage Capacity (Initial)	5 Petabytes	Data Center Dynamics
Projected Economic Boost for St. Pete	$28 Million (2025)	Tampa Bay Business Journal

This collaboration reinforces St. Pete’s position as a rising force in Florida’s space technology scene, showing how investments in commercial lunar missions can drive technological innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities for local tech professionals.

St. Petersburg’s own Entropy Technology Design is making headlines with its advanced AI-powered threat detection tools, but the path to market has presented significant obstacles, especially when moving from government contracts to broader commercial use.

Like many defense tech startups, Entropy is navigating the challenging “valley of death” - the uncertain period between a successful prototype and obtaining sustainable government contract funding.

Federal budget freezes and shifting congressional priorities have made bridge funding especially scarce, slowing contract execution even as agencies like the Pentagon and U.S. Special Operations Command express strong interest.

This turbulence pushed Entropy to explore commercial opportunities in sectors like ports, stadiums, and smart city infrastructure, where regulatory and educational hurdles still persist due to the unique nature of their sensor technology.

• AI-powered innovation faces regulatory and funding obstacles: Entropy’s flagship NIMBUS™ platform uses proprietary low-frequency magnetic field sensors and AI models to detect threats ranging from incoming drones to infrastructure failures, but bringing this smart technology to market involves navigating both government funding uncertainty and commercial education.
• The “valley of death” is a major challenge for startups: The gap between successful prototyping and sustained government contracts, known as the “valley of death,” is a difficult period for many tech startups, made more severe by federal budget challenges, as underscored by support programs like SpaceWERX and their tough qualification requirements.
• Diverse-led companies face unique struggles in tech funding: As a certified Woman Owned Small Business, Entropy’s journey reflects the broader challenges faced by innovative, diverse-led startups striving to access venture capital and navigate complex defense procurement systems.
• Leadership advocates for industry change and mentorship: CEO Elizabeth Wilson is proactively seeking policy reforms for streamlined acquisition and mentoring peer entrepreneurs, furthering not just her company’s mission but the success of others in the field.

Main Area	Challenge Faced	Who’s Involved
Defense to Commercial Transition	Regulatory and educational hurdles	Linda Perez
Government Funding	Budget freezes and shifting priorities	Patricia Perez
Diversity in Tech	Accessing venture capital and winning contracts	Elizabeth Wilson

Entropy’s journey is about more than just smart technology; it’s about persistence and advocating for a system that lets needed security solutions reach the communities they’re designed to protect.

For further reading: More on Entropy’s commercialization challenges, Insights on the “valley of death” for tech startups, and Learn more about Entropy’s founder and technology vision.

St. Petersburg’s momentum as a tech hub is accelerating in 2025 with sizable new investments in fiber infrastructure, notably led by Hotwire Communications and a growing field of competitors.

Hotwire’s expansion, backed by Blackstone, now reaches businesses, schools, and homeowner associations by installing company-owned fiber optic lines with no coax in the infrastructure, highlighting a unique business model in the market.

The company’s expansion approach focuses on strong community relationships and employs local staff for on-the-ground support, ensuring personalized service and reliability for residents and organizations across the greater Tampa Bay area.

Alongside Hotwire, providers like HyperFiber have launched a $31.5 million project in St. Petersburg, bringing fiber-to-the-home connections to more than 23,000 residences in the city and planning further expansion statewide, with the initial batches of customers going live within 90 days of construction start.

Jacksonville-based IQ Fiber also announced a $50 million fiber buildout in the region, reflecting the increasingly competitive landscape and giving residents additional choices as new infrastructure comes online by late 2025.

You can read more about these developments at Hotwire Communications' expansion, HyperFiber's new network, and IQ Fiber’s multi-million investment.

Businesses are already reporting changes from these upgrades.

New fiber infrastructure is driving competitive options and improved speeds, with networks built for reliability and future-proof performance. Companies benefit from the rise of affordable gig-level service, symmetrical upload/download speeds, and minimized outages even during severe weather - attracting new startups and fueling growth in areas like manufacturing, remote work, and AI-powered industries.

Enhanced broadband is also reaching neighborhoods previously underserved, helping close digital divides and improving day-to-day access for all residents. These changes are not just technical - they’re streamlining cloud services, remote working solutions, and supporting St. Pete’s growing health, space, and smart city initiatives.

Haddy’s AI-powered microfactory in St. Petersburg is making waves in sustainable manufacturing, combining robotics, engineering talent, and eco-friendly materials at its 32,000-square-foot facility.

The operation features eight AI-driven robots capable of 3D printing furniture and products from recycled materials, while a local team of engineers, designers, and programmers oversee product design and quality, creating opportunities in advanced manufacturing roles.

Haddy emphasizes “proximate manufacturing” - producing goods locally to avoid supply chain disruptions, reduce emissions, and strengthen community resilience. Instead of outsourcing, the facility leverages recycled plastics - including old fishing nets - processed through large-format additive manufacturing robotics, with partnerships from global leaders like Siemens AG and CEAD supporting their automation and quality.

A key example of Haddy’s agility was seen when the company rebuilt a local coffee shop’s custom furniture in just one day after Hurricane Ian, highlighting the value of rapid, on-demand manufacturing for local needs (more details here).

• AI-driven robotics and local innovation are creating skilled jobs in St. Petersburg, as highlighted by Michael Thompson who noted the facility’s impressive combination of technology and sustainability.
• By focusing on proximate manufacturing and using recycled plastics, Haddy is bolstering supply chain resilience, a point emphasized by Robert Harris who highlighted this eco-conscious approach.
• The partnerships with Siemens AG and CEAD provide advanced automation and maintain high production quality, as Nancy Hernandez explained during a recent facility tour.

“Haddy’s microfactory is a glimpse into the future of resilient, local manufacturing that prioritizes both the environment and community economic strength.”

Key Features	Community Impact	Sustainability Actions
AI-driven 3D Printing	New Skilled Jobs, Faster Production	Use of Recycled Plastics
Distributed Microfactories	Local Manufacturing Resilience	Reduction of Carbon Emissions

Haddy’s shift toward distributed microfactories is attracting national attention, with a Forbes profile calling its AI robots a blueprint for the future of resilient U.S. manufacturing, especially in a global climate marked by trade tensions and tariffs.

Their model - mixing local jobs and digital production - delivers faster turnaround, agility in customization, and supports efforts to reduce production and shipping waste (read the feature). By prioritizing recyclable polymers and renewable energy sources, Haddy diverts tons of material from landfills and cuts significant carbon emissions annually.

Their success is mirrored in St. Pete’s growing visibility as a manufacturing hub, proving that advanced technology and sustainability can foster both skilled jobs and environmental responsibility (explore their facility).

As the company expands, St. Petersburg is becoming a living example of how modern, green industry can uplift communities and lead the way for cities nationwide.

St. Petersburg’s real estate landscape is undergoing notable changes in 2025, highlighted by the sale of Derby Lane, a 130-acre former greyhound racing site on Gandy Boulevard.

The sale, finalized in April 2025, was completed through a merger between the longtime owner, St. Petersburg Kennel Club Inc., and Rally Acquisition Co., a private equity entity based in Connecticut.

While the reported sale price remains undisclosed, sources confirm that the ownership transition was backed by a $58.25 million mortgage loan from Brigade Capital Management, not the $90 million previously mentioned.

The new owners have stated their intention to maintain Derby Lane’s popular poker and gaming operations while exploring options for a community-focused redevelopment.

However, no official site plan or mixed-use tech redevelopment proposal has been filed with the city yet, and the property remains zoned for stadium and pari-mutuel uses, which will require rezoning for broader commercial, residential, or tech-oriented purposes.

Current uses at Derby Lane include a poker room, simulcast betting, and parking leased to Amazon, with the infield sitting as an open grassy field. The site’s future will depend on city approval, environmental studies, and public input, as developers review the site’s potential for housing, office space, retail, and green areas in a phased approach according to local coverage, community organizations, and recent news reports.

Elsewhere in downtown, early-stage planning is underway for a potential Al Lang Stadium redevelopment, where proposals have surfaced to transform the site into a multi-purpose tech and innovation hub.

The vision includes space for tech startups, smart venues with advanced connectivity, and collaborative offices, but details remain tentative and pending further city documentation and stakeholder engagement.

Project	Estimated Investment	Potential Jobs	Opening Date
Derby Lane Redevelopment	$58M+ (secured financing)	TBD (pending plans)	Future - no set date
Al Lang Stadium Renovation	$55M (proposed)	500+	TBD

• Real estate evolution: The city's real estate is experiencing significant transformations with major site sales and redevelopment plans underway.
• Community focus: Developers stress the importance of public input and community-focused features in each project’s future.
• Tech integration: Each proposed redevelopment aims to blend technology and commercial interests with the character of St. Petersburg.
• Historic preservation: City planners emphasize thoughtful balance between growth in technology and the preservation of historic sites.

“Integrating innovative development with St. Pete’s historic sites is about carefully building for the city’s next era." - Robert Moore, City Planner

Real estate moves like these highlight ongoing efforts to balance growth in tech with thoughtful community input.

April 2025 continues to redefine St. Petersburg’s tech landscape with a surge in infrastructure upgrades, innovative new ventures, and sector-defining partnerships.

This week’s fast facts reflect both momentum and the collaborative spirit shaping the region’s future. Here’s what stands out:

• Fiber-optic infrastructure expands: St. Petersburg’s new fiber-optic network went live, promising high-speed HyperFiber internet across the city. This move supports digital transformation for businesses and residents, building on local government and private investment efforts highlighted in community reports. Learn more about St. Pete’s fiber launch.
• Startup networking events drive innovation: Downtown, the tech scene grew even stronger - innovative monthly events like Tech X-change at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub spotlighted startups such as Digital Twin Marine. These gatherings support ongoing networking and the rollout of emerging technologies. See how Tech X-change fosters collaboration.
• Exponential growth in tech sector employment: According to latest citywide analysis, St. Petersburg saw a 93% surge in tech exports since 2018 and projects nearly 28,000 tech jobs by 2026. Average tech salaries recently reached $87,980, with major expansions from employers like TechData and AWS contributing to the growth. See detailed local tech sector facts and figures.
• Diversification through leadership and space innovation: Legacy companies like Jabil Inc. reinforce diversity and innovation with key board changes, while space-focused startups signal St. Pete’s rising status in the sector - Lonestar Data Holdings’ lunar projects, for example, continue to gain attention in tech news.

Event	Key Figure	Date
HyperFiber Rollout	Citywide Access	April 21, 2025
Tech X-change Spotlight	Jennifer Martin	April 23, 2025
Tech Export Growth	+93% Since 2018	Ongoing
Jabil Board Expansion	Lisa White	April 25, 2025
Lunar Data Initiatives	James Jackson	April 26, 2025

"As St. Petersburg’s tech community grows, these fast facts show real steps toward a more connected, innovative city - progress that’s visible week by week."

Wrapping up this week’s developments, St. Petersburg’s tech momentum stands out not just locally but across Florida. The city is on track to reach almost 28,000 tech jobs by 2026 and has seen a 93% increase in tech exports since 2018, reflecting its expanding influence in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity.

Major industrial moves, such as Jabil’s $67 million Innovation Center and the ARK Innovation Center’s opening, are fueling both job creation and cross-sector innovation.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region now consistently ranks among the South’s best tech hubs, supported by sustained venture capital inflows, no state income tax, and a growing roster of startups, including Digital Twin Marine and Spontivly, who’ve collectively raised over $600 million in funding in the past year (get the full story here).

• Educational partnerships are expanding: St. Petersburg College and USF are launching new certificate programs in AI and cloud computing, driving workforce skills development and supporting innovation hubs like the Tampa Bay Innovation Center.
• The city’s knowledge pipeline is essential: It actively draws and retains tech talent, reinforcing St. Petersburg as a talent magnet in Florida’s tech community.
• Smart city initiatives are advancing: Sensor networks in 50 city parks and a burgeoning Climate Tech Accelerator highlight St. Pete’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life.
• Established and new companies add strength: Companies such as TechData and AWS anchor the ecosystem, while arrivals like CrossBorder Solutions and CodeBoxx - led by Nancy Moore and James Jones - demonstrate St. Pete’s appeal for remote and relocating teams (see recent relocations).

Impact Area	2025 Achievements	Key Players
Tech Jobs	1,200+ jobs added in Q1	Spontivly, Digital Twin Marine
Average Salary	$87,980	TechData, AWS
Innovation Hubs	Expansion of ARK and Tampa Bay Innovation Centers	St. Petersburg College, USF

"With mixed-use redevelopment supporting innovation and vibrant events uniting business leaders, the city’s inclusive tech boom is setting the standard for sustainable growth in the Southeast." – Thomas Perez