St. Louis, MO — February 26, 2026 — GeoSTL formally launched today as the regional backbone organization dedicated to aligning and advancing St. Louis’ nearly $5 billion geospatial economy. Formed in January 2026, GeoSTL now enters its operational phase to coordinate strategy, strengthen collaboration, and position the region to compete nationally in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.
GeoSTL is a front door for the geospatial ecosystem that builds on the foundation of the GeoFutures Initiative, originally convened by Greater St. Louis, Inc., and represents the next phase of stewardship for the 15-county bi-state St. Louis region, in which geospatial technology supports approximately 27,000 jobs, according to the GeoFutures Strategic Roadmap.
“A lot of people know that something is happening here but, there is more opportunity to really showcase the new developments and opportunities for moving here,” said Mark Munsell, Executive Director of GeoSTL. “St. Louis is the optimal place for companies and entrepreneurs alike to set up shop with the knowledge that their employees will have a better standard of living and will be able to work with some of the top minds in the world.”
Over the past several years, St. Louis has developed one of the country’s most distinctive geospatial ecosystems, spanning industry, research institutions, startups, federal partners — including the recently opened $1.7B campus of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — as well as K-12 education, and community organizations. From agriculture and biomedical research to supply-chain logistics, geospatial data and tech — especially geospatial artificial intelligence — powers the systems that drive modern economies. St. Louis has the opportunity to attract new business, create high-quality jobs, and bring long-term investment to the region.
“Through our GeoFutures Initiative, we’ve helped lay a strong foundation for St. Louis’ geospatial ecosystem,” said Ron Kitchens, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Managing Partner. “GeoSTL is the next step in the growth of St. Louis’ geospatial sector, and we are truly excited for its official launch. I am honored to serve on its board as we continue the development of our region as a national center for geospatial technology.”
As a backbone organization, GeoSTL does not compete with existing organizations. Instead, it strengthens and aligns the ecosystem around shared priorities. The organization provides the connective infrastructure necessary to steward a regional strategy, track measurable progress, attract new businesses, support entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthen workforce pipelines, and drive long-term job growth.
GeoSTL will advance a shared roadmap for the sector, serve as a clear entry point for companies and partners seeking to engage with the ecosystem, and champion St. Louis locally and nationally as a competitive geospatial market.
Additionally, the GeoFutures Strategic Roadmap identifies North St. Louis as a critical area for coordinated investment as the ecosystem matures. GeoSTL will steward this priority by aligning industry, workforce, and community partners to ensure that growth in the region contributes to measurable economic impact in the surrounding area.
GeoSTL is a Missouri-approved nonprofit corporation that has applied for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, currently pending IRS determination. Now fully staffed, GeoSTL’s leadership team includes Mark Munsell, Executive Director; Peter Tchoukaleff, Director of Strategy and Operations; Molly Brady, Director of Engagement and Policy; and Jennifer Goldring, Director of Communications and Office Administration. The organization is governed by a cross-sector Board of Directors representing industry, academia, and community leadership. Full board information is available at GeoSTL.ai.
GeoSTL’s launch marks a new chapter for the region’s geospatial economy, one grounded in shared accountability, coordinated action, and a commitment to positioning St. Louis as a national competitor in geospatial innovation and related artificial intelligence. The organization’s mission is coded in the GEO acronym in its tagline: Growing Economic Opportunity in St. Louis and beyond.
For more information, visit GeoSTL.ai
About GeoSTL
GeoSTL is the regional backbone organization stewarding the growth of St. Louis’ geospatial economy. Building on the GeoFutures Strategic Roadmap, GeoSTL aligns cross-sector partners around shared priorities in talent, innovation, business growth, and championing St. Louis; convenes industry, academia, government, and community stakeholders; and advances coordinated action to strengthen the region’s national competitiveness. As a neutral convener and strategy steward, GeoSTL works to ensure that geospatial industry growth translates into measurable economic opportunity across the greater St. Louis region.
Media Contacts
Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | moc.cniLTSretaerG@ynoT
Jennifer Goldring , GeoSTL | ia.ltsoeg@refinnej | GeoSTL.ai