Start Ups | St. Louis Public Radio

Start Ups

Start-Up Challenge Offers $20,000 To Spur Business Growth In The Metro East

By • Jul 1, 2019
Andrew Mueth tends to a head of lettuce in VAST Produce's greenhouse in Waterloo on June 26. VAST won the 2018 Metro East Start-Up Challenge.
Eric Schmid | St. Louis Public Radio

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Small Business Development Center wants to grow Metro East startups focused on information technology, health care, manufacturing or sustainable food. Part of their plan includes the Metro East Start-Up Challenge, which is entering its sixth year and now accepting applications.

Local Interest In 3D Printing Grows

By Rebecca Smith • Nov 28, 2014
Griffin 3D is a local start-up that makes original design 3D printers. Here, the Griffin Pro Mini, prints an octopus at the Science Center's First Friday event in November.
Rebecca Smith/St. Louis Public Radio

Most people have heard of 3D printing, but few have ever seen these printers up close and in action.

Scott Rocca, co-owner of Griffin 3D, a St. Louis start-up, is trying to change this by showcasing his company’s printers at numerous events, such as the Science Center’s First Fridays. People can come and watch the printers. Soon they will be able to buy their own. 

Entrepreneurial Ace Touts St. Louis Startups

By • Oct 14, 2014
Revolution LLC

A high-profile entrepreneur is calling on the community to do more to support St. Louis-area startups.

"We just need to tell that story. That’s not to say that Silicon Valley won’t continue to be great and New York City isn’t great and Boston isn’t great, but St. Louis is great too," said A-O-L Co-Founder Steve Case during a stop on Friday at Washington University.

"There should be some degree of skepticism when people are talking about new ideas, but give entrepreneurs the benefit of the doubt."

Not Your Father’s Private Investment: BusyEvent Tests New Funding Opportunity

By • Mar 9, 2014
(Flickr/Andrew Magill)

Private investment is important for St. Louis’ burgeoning start-up scene.

Most entrepreneurs will tell you money for seed investment is accessible. The difficulty comes in getting to the next level of investment. Firms such as BusyEvent find second-round funding, amounts between $100,000 and $1 million, is much harder to find.

Danforth Plant Science Center Growing With New Researchers

By • Jan 10, 2014
(Courtesy of the Danforth Plant Science Center)

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced Friday it has hired four new lead researchers.

Each of the new hires will have a team of at least another 10 scientists working for them, which means the research center could soon add an additional 40 new positions.

Danforth president Jim Carrington says the new scientists will focus on new technologies such as robotics, as well as bolstering the center’s existing research.