A fast-growing California artificial intelligence company is planting a flag in the Tampa Bay region.

Following the announcement of a long-term partnership with Tampa International Airport, Sotereon.AI, which develops AI-powered spatial intelligence systems for airports, ports and critical infrastructure, will open an office in SkyCenter One, an office building on TPA property. The company is leasing 6,540 square feet through 2030.

The move will give engineers and team members the chance to work alongside the airport to increase product development and deployment, according to a release. A company spokesperson said 11 team members, including the executive team, will relocate to the region. Additional hiring will take place over the next few months.

“Tampa Bay is quickly emerging as one of the country’s most dynamic technology corridors,” said Patrick Blattner, CEO of Sotereon.AI, in a statement. “By embedding with the airport’s operational teams on a day-to-day basis, our product development timeline will accelerate, and our product market fit will be immediate. Being on-site allows us to innovate in real time with our partners — advancing how airports operate and how cities move.”

Its collaboration with TPA has helped monitor and improve anything from terminal crowding to tarmac safety. The partnership also includes California-based Aeva Technologies Inc.’s lidar technology. Lidar emits laser pulses that bounce off surfaces and return to the sensor, allowing systems to calculate distance, shape and movement with key accuracy.

The technology has been around for decades, but what’s new — and transformative for airports — is how artificial intelligence now processes that data.

“This collaboration benefits our airport, our customers and ultimately raises the bar for what defines digital transformation,” Douglas Wycoff, director of digital technology and innovation at TPA, said in a statement. “We welcome the Sotereon.AI team to Tampa and look forward to expanding use of Sotereon’s innovative LiDAR-based Overwatch system to help Tampa International — and the industry — raise the bar on customer satisfaction.”