Cortex Innovation Community

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen reconsidered a bill that extends a blighting determination from the 2000s on the Cortex district in the Central West End.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen said no to a bill to extend a blight determination on the Cortex Innovation District, marking an end to nearly two decades in the area.

An aldermanic committee moved forward with a plan to renew a blight determination for St. Louis’ Cortex district in an effort to finish redeveloping the area.

Companies are attracted to the region’s willingness to work with them and support for new entrepreneurs and innovation.

The company is developing diagnostic devices that can detect airborne pathogens in just minutes.

There were 39,432 tech-related job openings last year, representing growth of 1.5% from 2023.

To keep St. Louis’ existing tech talent, some regional leaders are pushing for more support for startups. But it’s not a quick or easy fix.

“Many employers have a requirement for a four-year degree, but slowly and surely they’re realizing a four-year degree doesn’t mean everyone that comes out has the skills and ability to do the role,” said one leader of a tech training organization.

The region’s growing geospatial and established agriculture and plant sciences sectors put it in a unique position to drive the innovations that will help farmers adapt to new climate conditions while reducing carbon emissions at the same time.

Per Scholas, a technology training nonprofit that is bringing its courses to St. Louis, will offer free training at the Cortex Innovation Community for people of color and women interested in cybersecurity jobs.