This Week's Latest Tech News in St Louis, MO - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

In 2025, St. Louis stands as America's next big tech hub, ranking third nationally for job growth and tenth for tech talent.

The city's tech workforce has expanded to over 73,000 professionals, generating a $13 billion economic impact with median salaries of $83,545. Leading startups like Cash App, Balto, and CuriMeta are driving innovation across fintech, AI, and healthcare sectors.

The tech scene's growth is further amplified by major investments, including ICL Group's $574 million EV battery facility and the $1.2 billion Gateway South Development project.

TechSTL reports that job demand continues to rise, with over 39,000 postings across 55 tech occupations last year.

Education remains crucial, with initiatives focusing on digital literacy and AI training.

The city's affordable living costs and robust infrastructure, including six Class I railroads and two international cargo airports, make it increasingly attractive to tech professionals and companies.

This transformation is reshaping St. Louis into a competitive tech powerhouse, with projections showing continued growth in emerging sectors like AgTech, FinTech, and cybersecurity.

• Job Growth: St. Louis ranks third nationally in job growth, leading to significant economic impact.
• Startup Innovation: Companies like Cash App and Balto are major players in fintech and healthcare.
• Investments: Major projects like the $1.2 billion Gateway South Development are driving tech expansion.
• Job Demand: Over 39,000 tech job postings were made across various sectors last year.
• Education Initiatives: Emphasis on digital literacy and AI training are crucial for tech advancement.
• Living and Infrastructure: Affordable costs and robust infrastructure make the city attractive for tech professionals.
• Sector Growth: Emerging sectors such as AgTech and cybersecurity promise continued expansion.

The city's tech transformation is reshaping St. Louis into a competitive tech powerhouse, with projections indicating ongoing sector growth.

Gateway Technical College is making waves in 2025 with its innovative approach to education and career development. With an impressive 91% employment rate for graduates, the college is transforming into a major hub for tech and healthcare education.

The institution has expanded its reach with new state-of-the-art labs and upgraded facilities at its Elkhorn Campus, specifically enhancing its health, programming, and HVAC programs.

They're connecting students with real-world opportunities through hands-on career camps and specialized training programs that kick off summer 2025.

The campus includes cutting-edge facilities such as the Reader Precision Manufacturing Center and high-tech learning labs where students get practical experience with industry-standard equipment.

Gateway's approach to education is super flexible, offering in-person, online, and hybrid learning options, plus they've formed partnerships with more than 160 four-year colleges.

With low-cost tuition and a focus on practical skills, Gateway is becoming the go-to spot for anyone looking to launch their career in tech or healthcare. Their new programs and labs are transforming the field, making it easier for students to acquire the specific skills employers are seeking.

Whether you're into nursing, manufacturing, or tech, Gateway's got your back with real-world training that ensures job readiness.

St. Louis's biotech landscape is experiencing a transformative surge with C2N Diagnostics securing a $10 million investment from Samsung, signaling growing confidence in the region's life sciences sector.

This development joins BioTech Innovators LLC's expansion in the Cortex Innovation Community, collectively strengthening St. Louis's position as a biotech powerhouse.

The expansion, scheduled for completion by end-2025, aligns with the city's emergence as a preeminent hub for biosciences, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for genomics, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine research.

• Job Creation: The initiative is expected to create over 200 direct jobs, with ripple effects generating additional positions in related industries.
• Economic Impact: Recent data suggests the biotech sector will inject approximately $30 million annually into the local economy, while fostering crucial partnerships with academic institutions and tech companies.
• Innovation Hub: The expansion coincides with St. Louis's growing reputation in health innovation, as evidenced by the upcoming Health Innovation Symposium featuring industry leaders and breakthrough technologies.

Dr. Susan Lee, CEO of BioTech Innovators, emphasizes that this growth reflects a broader vision for St. Louis as a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and collaboration.

The city's biotech momentum is further reinforced by BioSTL's successful track record, which has helped secure $83 million in national grants and fostered connections with 170 venture capital and strategic investors, positioning St. Louis as a premier destination for biotech advancement.

The Code Future Initiative continues to shape St. Louis's tech education landscape, with innovative tech camps at Washington University joining the program's roster of opportunities.

Recent developments include the expansion of coding workshops and hackathons, now reaching over 2,000 students across the metropolitan area. The initiative has evolved beyond basic coding to include specialized tracks in robotics, game design, and artificial intelligence, reflecting industry trends.

Virtual learning options have made these programs more accessible, with flexible scheduling and reduced cost barriers through newly introduced scholarships.

Local tech companies are deepening their involvement, offering both mentorship and real-world project experience. The initiative's partnership with Saint Louis Public Schools has been particularly impactful, creating direct pathways for students to access tech education resources.

Recent data shows that 85% of participants now feel better prepared for tech careers, with many securing summer internships at local firms. The program's success has attracted additional funding, enabling expansion to include more specialized workshops and advanced technology resources.

Students are particularly excited about the new AI and robotics tracks, which align with emerging industry demands. These developments are transforming St. Louis into a notable hub for tech education, with participating students increasingly competitive in college admissions and early career opportunities.

St. Louis's tech ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with over 45,000 tech jobs currently open across the metropolitan area.

The city's tech workforce development initiatives have gained momentum, showing a modest but steady 1.5% growth between 2023 and 2024. According to recent data, about 75,000 tech professionals make up 5.6% of the overall workforce, with the city aiming to double this number to meet current demand and future growth.

The median tech salary of $83,545 makes the field particularly attractive to young professionals and career changers.

Twelve local colleges and universities have stepped up to meet this demand, offering specialized programs in emerging technologies and geospatial fields.

These educational institutions, along with organizations like LaunchCode and Ranken Technical College, are transforming their curricula to align with industry needs.

The integration of real-world experience has become crucial, with many programs offering five job opportunities at graduation. MORE Talent for STL has emerged as a key initiative, providing scholarships and professional development opportunities to reduce barriers for summer internships, particularly focusing on historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

St. Louis is taking major strides in smart city development, with four main goals driving the transformation: improving public safety, increasing service efficiency, ensuring equitable service delivery, and expanding internet access.

Led by CTO Susan Perez, the city has launched several game-changing initiatives, including a citywide WiFi project that's already live in nine public parks. The Digital Front Door project is modernizing city operations, moving services from outdated mainframes to a unified digital platform that's actually usable.

Working with SmartWAVE Technologies, the city is tackling the digital divide head-on - pretty crucial considering 25% of households still don't have computers.

The SCIRA pilot program is revolutionizing emergency response with IoT sensors for everything from flood monitoring to helping firefighters navigate burning buildings.

Recent stats show the smart traffic management system has cut congestion by 18%, while smart streetlights have slashed energy use by 25%. The police department's new predictive system has reduced response times by 12%, and the Smart Water Initiative has eliminated 15% of water waste.

These aren't just random tech upgrades - they're part of a bigger plan to make St. Louis more livable and connected for everyone, regardless of their zip code.

In 2025, the St. Louis tech ecosystem is seeing major growth in venture capital funding, though early-stage capital remains challenging to secure in the Midwest.

Recent data shows that venture investments in St. Louis startups exceeded $450 million, with significant focus on biosciences, information technology, and fintech sectors.

The city's startup landscape now includes over 2,500 companies, with an impressive 45% being woman-owned ventures. A game-changing development has been Arch Grants' expansion, which has awarded 16 Growth Grants since 2021, helping recipients raise approximately $90 million and create over 400 jobs in the area.

Local success stories include iSite Media, which surpassed $1 million in annual recurring revenue, and King of the Curve, which is approaching a $1.5 million pre-seed fundraising goal.

The ecosystem is supported by 13 major VC firms, including Advantage Capital Partners, Arsenal Capital Management, and Ascension Ventures, offering investment ranges from $50,000 to $15 million.

The median tech salary in St. Louis stands at $83,545, significantly higher than the local average, making it an attractive hub for tech talent. Organizations like Capital Innovators and SixThirty are actively bridging funding gaps through accelerator programs, while T-REX, housing over 200 startups in its 160,000-square-foot facility, continues to foster innovation through its Moonshot Labs.

Looking ahead, the May 2025 InvestMidwest venture capital forum promises to further catalyze growth by connecting high-potential startups with investors across AgriFood, MedTech, and Digital Technology sectors.

St. Louis's tech scene is experiencing unprecedented growth through strategic university-industry partnerships. UIDP's collaborative initiatives have been instrumental in fostering these relationships, connecting innovative companies with leading research institutions.

The city's tech economy, now valued at $38 billion, showcases the impact of these partnerships. Washington University, having secured 76 U.S. patents in 2024, leads collaborative efforts with industry giants, while local startups like CuriMeta and Balto drive innovation in healthcare and AI. Missouri S&T has launched practical two-day bootcamps for professionals, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.

The upcoming TechWeek 2025, featuring over 30 free events and drawing 10,000 attendees, exemplifies the city's commitment to tech advancement.

These collaborations have created over 73,000 tech jobs, with an average salary of $123,800. The synergy between universities and industry partners has established St. Louis as a significant tech hub, attracting talent and investment while fostering groundbreaking research in AI, healthcare technology, and sustainable solutions.

With 30% of tech event registrations now coming from out-of-town participants, St. Louis is gaining recognition as a national center for tech innovation and collaboration.

St. Louis has transformed into a powerhouse for biotech and health-tech innovation in 2025, with unprecedented growth driven by support organizations and strategic investments.

The region's biotech sector has attracted over $1.5 billion in venture capital since 2015, with notable developments like Varro's expansion in the Cortex Innovation District.

The company is developing breakthrough medical devices that can detect airborne pathogens from a single breath, demonstrating the city's cutting-edge capabilities.

The bioscience and health sector now employs over 200,000 workers, representing more than 10% of the region's non-governmental workforce.

Major players like Procter & Gamble and MilliporeSigma are making significant investments, with P&G's $180 million expansion creating 100 new jobs and MilliporeSigma's $76 million investment adding 170 positions in cancer treatment drug manufacturing.

The ecosystem is further strengthened by four major health systems - BJC HealthCare, Mercy, SSM Health, and Ascension - collectively managing over 260,000 employees across 15 states.

Recent success stories like Varro highlight the region's appeal, with the company choosing St. Louis over traditional biotech hubs like Boston or San Francisco due to the exceptional talent pool and collaborative environment.

The impact on healthcare innovation is remarkable, with Washington University securing over $1.1 billion in research funding for AI and biotech initiatives.

The city's strategic advantages, including a cost of living 6% below the national average and a highly skilled workforce that's 15% more productive than the national average, continue to attract new companies and talent to the region.

St. Louis's tech landscape is transforming through deliberate efforts to create a more inclusive industry. TechLAUNCH, a groundbreaking initiative, aims to empower 10,000 underserved residents with essential tech skills over three years, addressing the digital literacy gap affecting over 100,000 St. Louis residents.

The current tech workforce demographics reveal significant room for improvement, with Black professionals representing only 8% of the tech workforce, while women constitute about one-third of the industry.

TechSTL's research suggests that addressing these disparities could add 15,000 more women and 8,000 more Black tech workers to the sector. The Office of Technology Management has stepped up by creating inclusive environments around patenting and entrepreneurship, supported by organizations like Arch Grants, where 69% of funded companies are led by women, people of color, immigrants, or veterans.

The city's commitment to diversity isn't just about social responsibility - companies with diverse teams show measurable increases in innovation and revenue.

Through partnerships with local universities, accelerators, and industry leaders, St. Louis is building pathways for underrepresented groups to access the roughly 35,000 open tech positions currently available in the region.

Programs focus on early STEM education, professional mentorship, and specialized training to ensure sustainable progress toward a more equitable tech ecosystem.

This concerted effort reflects St. Louis's understanding that true innovation comes from diverse perspectives and inclusive practices.

St. Louis has solidified its position as America's next big tech hub, ranking third for job growth and tenth for tech talent nationwide.

The city's tech sector now employs over 73,000 professionals and contributes $13 billion annually to the regional economy. A recent report from TechSTL shows tech job demand grew by 1.5% between 2023 and 2024, with 39,432 job postings across 55 tech occupations.

The median tech salary of $83,545 is nearly double that of other industries, making St. Louis an attractive destination for tech talent. Major players like Boeing, Mastercard, and Edward Jones anchor the ecosystem, while emerging startups in fields like AI, biotech, and retail tech drive innovation.

The city's affordability, with cost of living 6% below the national average, combined with strategic infrastructure investments including the new Gateway South Development, positions St. Louis uniquely among tech hubs.

Growth rates are particularly strong in software development (18%), data science (22%), and cybersecurity (32%), reflecting the diverse opportunities available.

The upcoming TechWeek 2025, featuring over 30 free events and drawing participants from across the country, demonstrates the city's growing prominence in the national tech landscape.

St. Louis's tech landscape in 2025 showcases remarkable growth, with the sector contributing $13 billion to the local economy and employing over 73,000 tech professionals.

The city's transformation is evident through major developments like World Wide Technology, which has earned the No. 10 spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, investing over $500 million in AI services and creating numerous job opportunities.

The tech workforce growth rate of 12% by next year signals strong momentum, with in-demand skills focusing on AI, machine learning, and data science. The recent establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center, a 150,000-square-foot facility, further cements the city's position as an innovation hub.

Looking ahead, St. Louis is strengthening its tech ecosystem through initiatives like Cortex's $7 million state funding for free training and certification programs.

The city's commitment to diversity is showing results, with major employers like Spectrum and Block Inc. implementing inclusive hiring practices and mentoring programs.

The average tech salary of $120,975 reflects the sector's robust growth and competitive standing.

As St. Louis positions itself for future innovation, the focus remains on developing local talent and attracting new businesses. The city's strategic investments in education and infrastructure, combined with its affordable living costs and strong corporate presence, create an environment where tech professionals can thrive. With continued support from both public and private sectors, St. Louis is well-positioned to maintain its trajectory as a leading tech hub in the Midwest.