Innovation Hub Archives - Tampa Bay Business & Wealth

spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.

Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.

spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech

Chuck Merlis January 7, 2026

spARK Labs is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s tech ecosystem through patience, execution and long-term founder support.

Embarc Collective expands corporate AI access in Tampa Leaders and team members cut a ribbon during the launch of The Digital Suite Tampa at Embarc Collective.

Leaders and team members cut a ribbon during the launch of The Digital Suite Tampa at Embarc Collective.

Embarc Collective expands corporate AI access in Tampa

Chuck Merlis December 12, 2025

Embarc Collective and EX3 Labs launch The Digital Suite Tampa to help companies move from AI interest...

A collage of four images showing the opening of a new innovation and experience center in South Tampa. The first image shows a ribbon cutting with executives standing in a row inside the facility. The second image shows product displays with kitchenware and housewares on modern shelving. The third image shows an open workspace with glass meeting rooms and product shelves. The fourth image shows a chef preparing food inside the center’s full test kitchen.

National firm opens South Tampa innovation center with full test kitchen

Chuck Merlis December 5, 2025

A national consumer goods firm has opened a new South Tampa innovation and experience center with a...

The state of Tampa’s economy in 2025 Downtown Tampa skyline with office towers and residential buildings along the Hillsborough River under a bright blue sky.

Downtown Tampa skyline with office towers and residential buildings along the Hillsborough River under a bright blue sky.

The state of Tampa’s economy in 2025

Chuck Merlis December 3, 2025

Tampa ended 2025 with record tourism, strong job growth and major investment across key sectors, setting the...

Tampa startup using AI to build custom curricula for schools A three-panel collage showing the ryco logo, founder Riley Walker speaking on stage at a student pitch event and the company’s virtual campus where team members work as avatars.

Tampa startup using AI to build custom curricula for schools

Chuck Merlis December 1, 2025

A Tampa ed-tech startup is using AI to help schools build custom curricula that fit every learner.

Tampa Bay Wave and USF team up for 2025 FinTech|X Accelerator launch Hand holding drawing virtual lightbulb with brain on bokeh background for creative and smart thinking idea concep