Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Propels Entrepreneurs, Innovation and Job Creation in St. Louis County
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
You don’t have to look far in St. Louis County to see the impact of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Since 1998, the center and its research programs have worked to improve the human condition through plant science. As the world’s largest nonprofit research institute dedicated to plant science, the center works to address challenges ranging from malnutrition to carbon emissions through plant science.
The center is located in 39 North, a 600-acre innovation district that includes the BioResearch & Development Growth (BRDG) Park, Helix Incubator, Yield Lab and Bayer Crop Science. By connecting regional assets, improving mobility, creating development opportunities and additional greenspace, 39 North enhances the region’s ability to grow, attract and retain companies and top talent.
Investing in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The work being done at the Danforth Center wouldn’t be possible without support from the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC). The center has received critical grant funding through MTC’s Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) program, enabling them to meet the needs of growing programs. The funding has also allowed for the expansion of a greenhouse complex, which serves Danforth Center scientists as well as nearly 20 early and mid-stage companies.
This critical facility supports homegrown companies that have rapidly expanded, like Benson Hill and NewLeaf Symbiotics. Just last year, companies working from the greenhouse created nearly 200 new jobs. According to the St. Louis Regional Chamber, the combined operations of the Danforth Center, BRDG Park and Helix Center generate a total annual economic impact of more than $256 million on the regional economy.
MTC’s MOBEC Program
To create more home-grown, high-tech companies, Missouri must support entrepreneurs and foster innovation. It is for this reason that the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity program (MOBEC) is a cornerstone of MTC’s investment strategy. Through the MOBEC program, MTC makes strategic investments that expand the support system for entrepreneurs that are commercializing new technologies or that enhance the capacity of Missouri to grow its innovation economy. It’s this support that equips entrepreneurs and innovators to create jobs and secure investment in our local communities.
Funding like that from MTC’s MOBEC program is one of the few tools available to grow programs and facilities like the Danforth Center. And the state’s dollars go far when invested through the MOBEC program. All MOBEC funds are ‘co-investment’ funds. This means that for every dollar invested by the state, innovation centers must secure one dollar of investment to match MTC's investment. This strategy allows the state’s investment dollars to go twice as far in terms of increasing entrepreneurial capacity and providing the much needed resources for job creation.