ST. LOUIS, MO – Greater St. Louis, Inc. and 39 North AgTech Innovation District today announced a formal partnership to attract talent and new agtech startups, support current agtech companies and innovators, and advance the region’s thriving agtech community. The agreement builds on the organizations’ existing relationship and emphasizes continued cooperation on business attraction and expansion, public relations, and policy work to grow economic opportunity and further the St. Louis region’s position as a leading hub for agtech advancement.
“Thanks to our thriving agtech innovation ecosystem and centralized location in the heart of the agricultural industry, the St. Louis region is already positioned to become the agtech capital of the world,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner, Greater St. Louis, Inc. “But that achievement will not happen without collaboration, and 39 North’s work and focus on advancing the future of the industry is key to our success and ability to create more and better jobs across our region. We are proud to have them as our partner and look forward to continuing our work together.”
After decades of intentional effort, the St. Louis region has cemented its reputation as an international hub for agtech innovation. 39 North AgTech Innovation District encompasses a 600-acre innovation district anchored by institutions including Bayer Crop Science, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, BRDG Park, and the Helix Center BioTech Incubator.
39 North, which was formed as a nonprofit in 2023, intentionally activates these spaces and connects plant science and agtech assets around the region, supporting a diverse community of scientists, startups, and companies that work together to create and accelerate growth.
“GSL has been in our corner since day one,” said Emily Lohse-Busch, Executive Director of 39 North. “Formalizing this partnership means that when an agtech company is looking at St. Louis, it meets one coordinated region, with GSL opening doors and 39 North providing the community, space, and connections to help that company grow here. Together, we’re making the case that the future of agriculture is being built in St. Louis.”
With the new MOU in place, the organizations will work together to attract new agtech companies to St. Louis while supporting and cultivating those companies and related businesses already established in the region. The organizations have had success collaborating on a myriad of fronts thus far, including coordinating St. Louis’ presence at the World AgriTech Summit in 2025 and bringing prospective agtech companies to 39 North’s Plant Science Family Reunion in 2026.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. is signing similar MOUs with other regional partners, reinforcing its collaborative approach to advancing regional growth. This MOU follows a similar agreement signed with GeoSTL.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. – We Drive Growth
Greater St. Louis, Inc. forges partnerships that empower growth across the 15-county St. Louis region. We convene and collaborate with business, governmental, and civic leaders to empower economic growth and prosperity in communities across the St. Louis metro area. Together, we act with intention to create a thriving and inclusive St. Louis that attracts and retains investment and talent for generations to come and creates more and better jobs for the region.
