AltaSea, New Incubator Key Part Of Drawing Innovation To San Pedro
San Pedro, a community on the LA waterfront, could become the area's next tech hub.
AltaSea, an innovation campus at the Port of Los Angeles, is a key part of drawing in businesses tied to ocean science and fostering new ones — something that will be further supported by the creation of a new incubator announced this week.
San Pedro is embracing change and innovation after decades as one of the world's busiest ports, AltaSea Executive Director Jenny Krusoe said.
"Now, as the economy changes and the port evolves, the community around the port understands the need for evolution and change, too," she said.
The focus of AltaSea's public-private partnership is on encouraging aquaculture and blue technologies, including underwater robotics and wave power.
On a 35-acre campus, the AltaSea facilities include 240K SF of flexible warehouse space on the wharf 10 minutes from deep water. The $150M Phase 1 of the project created 4,200 temporary jobs, 1,350 permanent jobs and $290M in annual increased economic activity.
Krusoe said the nonprofit provides a platform that connects technology, science, sustainable business creation and STEM education. That blend will appeal to companies as they consider the community as a place to locate.
"As other nearby tech centers become more expensive and crowded, San Pedro offers modern facilities and services, affordable housing, a great lifestyle and easy access to all the cultural, technical and other resources of one of the world's great cities," Krusoe said.
Krusoe said she ultimately wants to see the partners, tenants and initiatives coming out of AltaSea foster new ventures and support tech firms and the community.
She said the launch of the La Kretz Blue Economy Incubator announced Tuesday is the latest example. The incubator will focus on sustainable technology companies connected to the ocean.
AltaSea and Morton La Kretz, a philanthropist and businessman, have signed a grant agreement to create and fund the incubator.
"The newest addition to AltaSea will attract the world-class leaders and promising companies that can leverage the opportunities our ocean presents for research, exploration and innovation," La Kretz said in a statement.
Learn more about AltaSea's role in San Pedro's transformation at Bisnow's Future of LA Waterfront: San Pedro and Ports O'Call event Oct. 19 at the Topaz San Pedro Waterfront, 222 West Sixth St., in San Pedro.
