The Tampa Bay area is beginning to come into its own as a home for innovation and entrepreneurship - and it's up to us to begin communicating that good news throughout the community.  One new focal point will be Tampa Bay Innovation Center, the next step for STAR TEC.

From the time STAR TEC was established in 2003, we have known that the local technology community needed more than a business accelerator could offer.  Initially, our response was to develop a series of programs in a "plug and play" fashion to fill needs as we identified them.

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Our June program will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Microsoft, 5426 Bay Center Dr., 7^th floor, Tampa 33607.  The program, titled  "Networking Secrets of Successful Executives",  will be presented by Fritz Eichelberger, CEO & Founder, HotSpaces.net.

If you haven't yet attended TECH Talk, we hope you'll put this on your calendar.  The April program featuring Leisa Mohler-Erickson, partner, Advantage Performance Group, attracted 70 guests.  

Innovation has Many Faces  

A conversation with Paul Johan, Partner,  Ballast Point Ventures

We spoke with Paul about his thoughts about the role of innovation in business success and how innovation can be developed and nurtured.

Q.    How do you define innovation in business?

A.     From the point of view of an investor, we look for innovation that is expressed

through technology solutions, processes and products that enhance productivity.  In a nutshell - "the better mousetrap."  This need not be a sophisticated technological application, but can just as easily be something that enhances and improves existing systems.

Typically we think of bleeding edge technology firms when we talk about innovation, but there are innovative approaches even in the most traditional industries.  In these cases, they may be developing unique elements, new distribution channels or a more efficient and effective way to serve their customers.

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Have questions about your next steps in entrepreneurship?  Entrepreneurs at all stages are invited to attend the next StartUp Xchange from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at The Grape at International Plaza, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. in Tampa. 

This is a great informal opportunity for entrepreneurs, talent in transition, scientists, funders, innovators, technology professionals and engineers to make connections in the Tampa Bay area innovation marketplace and learn from each other and from the Tampa Bay Innovation Center mentors whose experience can help further their idea or startup company. 

Our mentors will be Mike Eitler of Blue Lion Consulting, Paul Hays and Mark Joyce of Larson Allen and Doug Martin of Business Consulting Group. 

Follow the StartUp Xchange Meetup Group here.