SRI established operations in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2007 with the help of the state's Innovation Incentive Program. The fund invested $20 million over a five-year period to support startup activities and establish a base for the growth of SRI's Marine Technology program. A partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the State of Florida provided an additional $10 million in funding and land to build a new building for SRI's operations. The city's contribution included the waterfront site at the Port of St. Petersburg and a 10-year facility lease.