Tech Startup Hubs in St. louis: The Cortex District

image of Cortex Innovation District — tech startup hubs in St. LouisWhen you hear the word “technology,” what comes to mind? You probably think about the devices that rule your life: your smartphone or computer. Maybe you think about a new app or streaming service. Technology embodies many different product and service categories spanning a wide range of industries.

What about the words “technology startup?” — Do they make you think of St. Louis?

Where do successful tech startups live?

For most burgeoning entrepreneurs looking to build unique companies, apps, products and/or services, the coast is oftentimes a rather appealing place to begin. As it stands today, California’s Silicon Valley is home to the nation’s largest technology community while New York remains to be the mecca for some of the United States’ most prestigious businesses.

For many tech startups looking to make a difference in the world, however, destinations like California and New York are unreachable — the cost of living is too expensive, or the thought of being swallowed up by a densely populated area is too daunting to consider.

These reasons, among many others, leave entrepreneurs searching for an alternative destination — a place that offers creative work spaces, project funding and rich local culture.

Enter the city of St. Louis.

Building a Community of Innovation

Thanks to St. Louis’ inviting midwest hospitality, business resources and pool of sharp talent from local universities, St. Louis has cultivated one of the fastest growing technology startup scenes in the United States. Contributing to this growth is the largest, most renown tech startup district St. Louis has to offer…

Cortex District

The Cortex District is known as St. Louis’ “innovation community.” Located about two miles east of Forest Park and just south of the Central West End, this up-and-coming zone is the home to a series of co-inhabited offices filled with innovative thinkers and doers.

At the time this article was published, Cortex boasts three unique locations and one organization that hosts weekly startup events:

Center for Emerging Technologies (CET)

“Founded in 1998, the Center for Emerging Technologies (CET) is the largest and oldest Innovation Center in Missouri. CET is nationally recognized for providing the infrastructure and resources needed for early-stage, high-growth companies in the fields of information technology, bioscience and consumer/manufactures products to innovate and thrive. An affiliate of the Cortex Innovation Community since 2012, CET fills an important program role in the Cortex district and broader St. Louis region.” — CET St. Louis

CIC St. Louis

“CIC started in 1999 with a vision and a simple idea: Startups make the world much better. We can help them by setting up and managing their office for them so they can focus on their business. We believed we could do that better than anyone else and we set out to prove it. Since then, more than 1400 companies have chosen CIC as their home and many have gone on to prove their value to the world as startups. More than $1.8B of venture capital has been invested in companies that were headquartered at CIC. We now house over 800 companies, most of them startups, and we haven’t stopped making CIC better every day.” — CIC St. Louis

BioGenerator

“BioGenerator is an evergreen investor that creates, grows, and funds innovative companies and talented entrepreneurs in the St. Louis region. BioGenerator identifies and de-risks commercially promising innovations and services; advises innovators and entrepreneurs; recruits and supports entrepreneurial talent; makes staged investments grounded in rigorous due diligence; and offers access to enabling lab space and capital equipment. We position companies to navigate the unique challenges of early-stage bioscience company development.” — BioGenerator

TechShop

“A playground for creativity, TechShop is an open-access, DIY workshop and fabrication studio. We are a community-based space where entrepreneurs, artists, makers, teachers and students come together to learn and work together.” — TechShop

Venture Café St. Louis

“We believe innovation is a process to improve the human condition.

The focus should not just be about making apps. The real challenges facing the human condition require innovative solutions. There is room for innovation in education, the arts, government services, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, social enterprise, and many other sectors. Join us each Thursday at 4240 Duncan or attend Venture Cafe Nights: Forward Through Resilience on the 2nd Tuesday of each month or Venture Cafe Nights: 39 North on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.” — Venture Café St. Louis

Want to learn more about tech startups in St. Louis?

In a mission to promote the absolute BEST of St. Louis, Elevate STL highlights the most innovative high tech startups, biomedical growth and nationally leading entrepreneurship our city has to offer.

For more stories relating to tech startups in St. Louis, bookmark our online Tech Startups category, and check it often. There will be more to come soon. Stay tuned!

The Top Ten Recognized Businesses in St. Louis

image of a red pin sticking in a map of St. Louis — businesses in St. LouisSt. Louis is a city of many appeals: we covet our Cardinals every spring, and we bleed Blue during the winter (but we never talk about the NFL…ever). Our city features some of the most celebrated attractions in the nation, like the Gateway Arch and our one-of-a-kind Busch Stadium, complete with Ballpark Village. Consequently, St. Louis is also a great place for thriving businesses.

Today, we’re highlighting some of the most nationally and globally recognized businesses in St. Louis and how their work influences the way people in our city work and live.

The Most Renown Businesses in St. Louis

St. Louis’ ability to produce intelligent, success-driven employees who want to positively influence their city and the world has created an ideal home for the following high-profile corporations:

Anheuser-Busch

“Anheuser-Busch’s roots date back to the mid-1800s when a large number of German immigrants arrived to St. Louis, mainly due to political upheavals in Germany and Bohemia in 1848. With the large migration of Germans to St. Louis the principal industry in the area soon became brewing beer. These immigrant brewers introduced a new style of beer to the United States: Lager. Lighter, crisper and more difficult to brew, Lager beer requires more time and care than other styles of beer. In a short time, Budweiser would go from a local favorite to the King of Beers around the world.” — Anheuser-Busch

Panera Bread (a.k.a. St. Louis Bread Company)

“We care about the simple things: freshly-baked breads, attention to detail, a warm place to gather and our local neighborhoods. That’s why at Panera Bread bakery-cafes, bakers spend their nights baking breads in stone deck and convection ovens before we open our doors each morning. This overnight effort ensures that everything from your morning bagel to your late afternoon sandwich was baked fresh, that same day. We apply this same dedication to all of our cafe items, from fresh, crisp salads with unique flavor combinations, to our savory selection of soups. At the end of each day, we donate unsold bakery products to the community and then start all over again.” — Panera Bread

Mastercard

“For 50 years, we’ve been using our technology and expertise to make payments safer, simpler and smarter. We don’t issue cards, but we do make payments happen around the clock, around the world. We believe it pays to give back; through our philanthropy and payment innovations, we’re making a positive impact in communities around the world.” — Mastercard

Energizer

“The Energizer® brand is synonymous with world’s first innovation and emerging technologies. Beyond power and portable lighting, our real product is bringing positivenergy™ so that you can do, enjoy, and accomplish more than you ever expected.” — Energizer

The Boeing Company

“Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.” — The Boeing Company

Nestlé Purina

“[When we make Purina pet foods,] we start with wholesome ingredients that meet or exceed government standards, and manage the processing every step of the way to ensure the product quality. [But] quality pet foods are just the beginning. From our leading-edge research, to innovative programs like ‘Purina Pets For People’ in the US and Pet Care School in Italy, we’re always looking for new ways to help pets and the people who love them.” — Nestlé Purina

Sunnen Products Company

“Sunnen Products Company has been a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of bore sizing and finishing equipment, engine rebuilding equipment, and tooling and abrasives since 1924. [We are] committed to providing a broad offering of catalog products and custom engineered solutions in a way that exceeds the expectations of our customers.” — Sunnen Products Company

Edward Jones

“Edward Jones serves nearly 7 million investors from more offices than any other investment firm in America. We attribute a great deal of our success to our principles and personal, long-term approach to investing.” — Edward Jones

Monsanto

“Monsanto is a sustainable agriculture company [that is] focused on empowering farmers—large and small—to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world’s natural resources such as water and energy. We do this with our leading seed brands in crops like corn, cotton, oilseeds and fruits and vegetables. We also produce leading in-the-seed trait technologies for farmers, which are aimed at protecting their yield, supporting their on-farm efficiency and reducing their on-farm costs.” — Monsanto

Spire (formerly The Laclede Group)

“Spire’s natural gas utilities and other related businesses work together to enrich the lives of the 1.56 million customers we serve across Missouri and Alabama. Our gas marketing business maintains the balance between our natural gas supplies and our customers’ needs, ensuring the highest reliability at the lowest costs. And we’ve tapped into the growing market of cleaner-burning natural gas vehicles that can conveniently support business fleets of all kinds.” — Spire

Want to learn more about businesses in St. Louis?

St. Louis is a large city full of burgeoning businesses and innovation; we could not list all of these organizations in this single article. If your favorite St. Louis business didn’t make our short list, tell us in the comments section below! What businesses deserve to be in the Elevate STL spotlight? Why did you select the business you chose? What does the business do to positively influence our city? Would you be interested in Elevate STL working with this business to produce future content?

As a website produced by St. Louis citizens, for St. Louis citizens, your input is vital to our success. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and get involved in our unique project.

For more stories relating to business in St. Louis, bookmark our online Business category, and check it often. There will be more to come soon. Stay tuned!

Microsoft to Open St. Louis Location in Cortex District

Tech behemoth Microsoft recently announced it would be moving its offices from Creve Coeur to the newest expansion in the Central West End’s Cortex area.

The move is part of a $55 million,180,00- square-foot office and lab expansion in the innovation district. Microsoft will be bringing nearly 150 jobs to the development, approximately 60 current jobs and adding 90 new positions.

Such a tech giant making the move to an area associated with St. Louis’ start up culture and research is a great vote of confidence for the district.

Microsoft will be leasing 30,000 square feet in the development.

The St. Louis office will be regional headquarters for states like Missouri, Kansas and Tennessee, according to Ervin Flores, General Manager of Microsoft’s Mid-America District.

The new development will also include a Microsoft Technology Center, where customers can work with employees to design custom technology system. Microsoft currently runs around 40 of these centers around the world, moving St. Louis into some exclusive company.

One major draw to Microsoft was the ability for Microsoft employees to interact with start ups and researchers in the Cortex district. The Technology Center will also give the district’s start ups and tech companies the opportunity to test the newest and cutting edge products form Microsoft.

On hand for the announcement of the project were Outgoing St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens.

Washing University will be the other anchor tenant, leasing 69,000 square feet of the development.

Techie Playground opens in Cortex District

Want to create the next great app, build the next great invention, create furniture or weld a new project? TechShop has opened a location in St. Louis’ Cortext District where you can do just that.

The workshop and fabrication studio chain opened in California nearly 10 years ago and has since expanded to Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, with a Brooklyn location opening soon.

Square, the ubiquitous credit card swipe/POS app and hardware for mobile phones and tablets got its start in a TechShop in California, where St. Louis born co-founder Jim McKelvey built his first prototypes of the swipe device.

“I think it’s fantastic for the St. Louis region because there are certain things that you need equipment to do and there’s a culture of experimentation there,” McKelvey said in a phone interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “TechShop is a big playground for makers.”

Each TechShop offers a host of equipment and tools for bourgeoning entrepreneurs and inventors to use including large sanders, glass cuttors, automotive tools, electrical measurement tools, drill presses, table saws, DSLR cameras, 3D printers, plasma cutters, and more.

For access, a membership is required. Dues are $150/monthly and gives you access to all tools and instruction in the building, provided you pass safety and basic use classes for each tool.

TechShop isn’t just for members though. Nonmembers can take advantage of any of their classes for a fee. Classes available include metal working, CAD, woodshop, sewing and more.

No experience is required for TechShop classes and TechShop has even worked to create classes for date nights. Discounts are given to students and active military personal.

It’s safe to say St. Louis’ start up and maker community is excited for TechShop’s opening. The workshop is currently on track to reach its goal of 1,000 St. Louis area members before it even opens.

New Development Plan In The Hill Neighborhood Moves Forward

 

 

This article was contributed by Rio Vitale of Ciaostl.com

It’s official.  The development plan in the Hill neighborhood is moving forward. The plan is to build apartments, town homes, condos and single-family homes to replace a vacant 11-acre factory complex in the neighborhood. This property on the Hill is bordered on the east between Daggett and Bischoff on Hereford Street, directly behind St. Ambrose Church and South Kingshighway on the west.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Stove Company, Coin Accepters, and other manufacturers occupied the 11-acre site.  These companies once employed many neighborhood residents. The property has been vacant for almost 20 years.

The Sansone Group submitted final plans for this development, which includes a 225-unit apartment complex, 49 town homes, approximately 45 condominiums and 20 single-family homes at 4932 Daggett Avenue. The developer and the neighborhood are hopeful the project will bring younger residents to the Hill and the surrounding area.  As developers have explained, this neighborhood is desirable because of the services available, restaurants, coffee shops, and salons all within walking distance and convenient to major attractions allowing an easy commute.  The main concerns of many residents are the traffic and parking conditions. The proposed structure has its own parking garage, which is not visible from the front of the building.  The Sansone Group has priced these units to attract millennials that enjoy city living, but also the modern conveniences that renting a typical shotgun home in the neighborhood does not provide.  It appears likely for the upwardly mobile residents that they will eventually move into a home in or around the surrounding neighborhoods.

This has been the biggest and the most contested project on the ‘Hill’ since Highway 44 separated the most northern streets from the rest of the neighborhood in the 1972.    Today Highway 44 separates Northrup and Pattison from the southern part of the Hill.  One hundred homes were demolished on the south side of Pattison in order to build Interstate 44. The original plan for this section of I-44 was opposed valiantly by Hill 2000 (the neighborhood organization) lead by Fr. Sal Polizzi. The group was not successful in getting the highway rerouted.  These dedicated citizens were successful in getting approval for an additional overpass on the highway when a committee from the Hill presented the United States Department of Transportation a check for $50,000. The bridge would keep the neighborhood connected so people could continue to walk to work and worship at St. Ambrose Church.

I have spoken and worked with a number of developers for this particular property over the past five years and each one had decided against development projects because of the neighborhood residents’ resistance to any plans that did not include residential homes and other restrictions placed upon the property, which would limited profitability.

This new $40 million development needed some bridges built as well. It required bridging the gap of what the old residents and political environmental wanted to preserve and what the newer younger residents wanted, growth and a potential for progress.  Largely the Sansone Group and the new Board of Directors of the Hill 2000 Neighborhood Organization built the bridge, which brought the two sides together. Thereby, the current development plan was approved.

There were a number of neighborhood meetings help between residents, St. Louis City Alderman Joe Vollmer and the Hill 2000 Neighborhood Association that were heated and exhausting.  There were surveys conducted that were contested, petitions signed trying to stop the project, and other obstacles. The Sansone Group believed in their project was determined not going to give up on the neighborhood.  They had meetings with Alderman Joe Vollmer and Monsignor Vince Bommarito (Pastor of St. Ambrose Church) and came up with a plan that could be acceptable to both community leaders. While many older residents were not in favor of the Sansone plan, it seemed the majority of the residents welcomed the new development.  Alderman Vollmer was then able to proceed with a presentation to the Board of Alderman for final approval of the project.

As more residents move into the neighborhood, there will be a need for businesses to  open on Sundays in the neighborhood.  It is expected that the Hill businesses will want to share in this new growth potential and expand their hours.  This type of activity is very much welcomed around the neighborhood, as traditionally Sunday is a break away from the traffic and tourist that appear daily.  

The Hill is currently undergoing a number of growing pains, which often come with progress.  There have been a number of new homes built, restored or rehabbed. This means large dumpsters on the street, mud flowing into the street due to grading or the demolition of an older home.  While it is understood there will be difficulties and inconveniences during construction, these are the challenges that accompany progress and change.  There is no crystal ball to tell us what is going to happen in five or ten years, but this deal looks to be profitable for all involved.

​SSM reveals first look at new SLU Hospital

SSM Health plans to break ground Aug. 31 on its new $550 million SSM HealthSaint Louis University Hospital, with a projected completion date of Sept. 1, 2020.

The health care system released renderings Wednesday providing the first look at the new hospital and ambulatory care center, which includes more than 800,000 square feet of space and 316 private patient rooms.

The design for the new facility, which will be located on 15 acres adjacent to the current hospital off Grand Boulevard between Rutger and Lasalle streets, includes a nine-story patient tower and a three-story ambulatory care center connected by a common space that will include amenities such as the cafeteria, gift shop and chapel.

The hospital will feature an expanded trauma center and emergency department, larger intensive care units and expanded patient parking. With patient rooms on the right and left hand sides of the hospital, the middle section will feature educational space, which hospital President Kate Becker said is key to the hospital’s mission.

“This new design supports our mission both of providing quality patient care and supporting education,” Becker said.

The plans also includes space for future growth. A green space east of the parking garage could be used for future office or retail expansion, the south side of the ambulatory care center was designed to allow for possible expansion, and the hospital includes space to add a possible second bed tower to the west of the new patient tower.

“We could actually double the size of the hospital,” Becker said.

Becker said no decisions have been made yet about the future of the existing Desloge Tower. She said space in the tower is still being used for academic purposes by Saint Louis University. “We’re talking to the university about their interest in continuing use of the hospital space, then we can make decisions about what happens to it,” she said.

Alberici Constructors Inc. is the construction manager for the project. Lawrence Group, in partnership with Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA) and Frank Zilm and Associates Inc., is the architect.

Clayton officials to review big projects planned for busy intersections

Two high-profile downtown Clayton developments will get preliminary reviews Tuesday night at the city’s scheduled Plan Commission and Architectural Review Board meeting. Clayton officials will consider conceptual plans for a $70 million, 24-story luxury apartment high rise proposed for the northeast corner of Forsyth and Brentwood boulevards. Flaherty & Collins Properties, an Indianapolis-based multifamily developer, is proposing the development.

New Arch To Riverfront Ramps Are A Great Improvement

When I first moved to St. Louis in August 1990 the grand staircase down to our riverfront wasn’t complete — it was grass with steps only on the North & South edges. At some point the center steps were completed.But even as a young (20s) able-bodied person the steps were a pain. I recall one time, in the early 90s visiting the Arch grounds with my parents & grandfather — in their early 60s & mid-90s, respectively, The steps were a huge problem.

Visitors to the Arch grounds yesterday enjoy the sun on the grand stairs

This weekend I visited the Arch grounds twice — along on Saturday and with my husband on Sunday. Both days I did all four of the new ramps connecting the upper Arch grounds to Lenore K Sullivan Blvd on the riverfront.

Looking South from the North outlook area,a new ramp on the right and the North steps on the left. The steps are closed currently because they’re in poor condition.

At the bottom of that ramp

Moving toward the river you can begin to see how much longer the ramp is vs the steps

The North steps, mirrored to the South

The two South ramps each feature a longer flat section with s bench. — excellent for those who may need to sit and rest

Looking North from the South lookout area

I saw many people using the new ramps both days, but nobody else in a wheelchair. Users were all ages, some were biking, others walking their dogs, some pushing baby strollers, most just out with family and/or friends.

The Arch & grounds were designed at a time when the disabled were institutionalized — not independent members of the community. Ramps just weren’t done back then.  Today, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, those of us who are disabled are better able to live independent lives.

These four ramps, plus the connection next to the Eads Bridge, make getting to/from the riverfront a pleasure.

— Steve Patterson

 

Hear this Week – Special Edition: Live Music in St. Louis February 20 – 26

Live Music in St. Louis

A certain town down the river gets lots of Mardi Gras attention, but let us assure you, we have it happening here as well. Bands of Note Special Mardi Gras edition!

Monday, February 20 – But first, it’s Presidents’ Day, and Foam Venue is hosting Oddsoul & the Sound plus Kelly Tsaltas and Troubador Tom. Oddsoul “is a person, a band, a state of mind,” and the trio is fronted by Matt Klose and features terrific original songs influenced by blues, jazz, and country. Starts at 8:30, no cover.

Mardi Gras!

Friday, February 24thMayor’s Mardi Gras Ball! Party much at the Rotunda of St. Louis City Hall? Well you will tonight at this black-tie event. Local heroes Funky Butt Brass band and Feel Good Inc. light it up, and proceeds go to the Mardi Gras Foundation, which has made community grants to improve Soulard and downtown since 2003. $150, doors open at 7.

Saturday, February 25 –

  • Evangeline’s – The Panamaniacs with David Gomez – starts at 11 a.m.
  • Broadway Oyster Bar – The Scandaleros, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops, and out of Nashville, the Aquaducks. Starts at 8 a.m.
  • Hammerstone’s – Paul Bonn & the Bluesmen start at 1 p.m., and the John McVey takes over at 6 p.m.
  • Soulard Market Park –Find the Bud Light Party Centre tent where Rockstar DJs will be spinning danceable tunes. 9 a.m., $115 includes “nine hours of beer, beats, and beads.”
  • Social House – How does Country Gras sound? Rising country star Colt Ford plays this all-inclusive event that starts at 11 a.m. Ticket prices start at $55.

There’s so much more here – you can’t go wrong with Mardi Gras in St. Louis!

Sunday, February 26 – The Dark Room starts its Brunch Sessions featuring the Montez Coleman Band. Coleman leads the band from behind the drums playing jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion. The band plays covers and originals from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the brunch goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No cover.

What the Locals Know: Friday, the 24th, there is a special evening celebrating the Future of Jazz at the Sheldon Concert Hall. It’ll feature Grammy nominated, 13-year-old prodigy Joey Alexander. It starts at 6 p.m. with spirits and entertainment by local jazz students, and ends with a cabaret with Denise Thimes at 10:30. It’s put on by JazzSTL.org, a nonprofit supporting local jazz. Cocktail attire! $300 for this great evening for a good cause.

Music Note of Note: Mardi Gras is a big deal here, and has been for a long time. The parade in our beloved Soulard neighborhood kicks off at 12 p.m. on Saturday the 25th. Live music is infused ! So go get some beads.

The post Hear this Week – Special Edition: Live Music in St. Louis February 20 – 26 appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Sunday Poll: Should St. Louis Consider Ranked-Choice Voting?

Please vote below

When you have two candidates running for office it is easy to understand the winner — the person who receives more than 50% of the vote — even if by just one vote.

I’m looking at the March 7th Democratic primary ballot with 7 choices for mayor and 6 choices for alderman in my ward — it’s highly unlikely the winner of either race will get more than 35% of the vote. In other cities, this would require a runoff vote among the top candidates until one receives a majority of the votes.

In lieu of holding runoff  elections some cities use instant runoff voting — candidates are ranked by voters to pick a winner with a majority of votes. This voting method has pros & cons:

Pros

  1. No need for expensive runoff elections.
  2. Politicians tend to adopt a more civil tone in campaigns.
  3. Enough with the strategy games.
  4. Majority wins.

Cons

  1. Many cities do not have the proper equipment to count the ballots.
  2. It’s confusing.
  3. Elections for multiple positions become complex.
  4. Voters need to know their stuff.

What do you think, should we try it? Vote in the poll below.

The poll will close at 8pm.

— Steve Patterson