Like much of the Midwest, the potential of St. Louis is often overlooked—and given that dreaded designation of “fly-over city.” For 25 years, BioSTL has been working to dismantle this long-held notion. Bioscience is critical for not just addressing global challenges, but also driving economic growth, and the nonprofit has demonstrated that St. Louis is uniquely positioned to act as a magnet for invention in the field. The organization fuels the local economy through three major impact areas: creating high-growth startups, developing a bioscience workforce and building St. Louis’ reputation and capability for innovation.

BioSTL was founded on the idea of finding a way to turn the region’s existing assets into tools for economic growth. With world-class universities and health care systems already in place, bioscience was a logical choice. The nonprofit is helping ensure St. Louis plays a crucial role in overcoming some of the biggest challenges facing the world today, from food insecurity to curing disease. “Our mission is really all about St. Louis,” president and CEO Donn Rubin says. “We’re making sure the region thrives for the next century. BioSTL acts as a bridge connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and industry, bringing together innovation and economy.”

Rubin notes that while many St. Louisans may be aware of advances in biosciences being made in the region, they might not realize that BioSTL has been helping shepherd that innovation. The nonprofit has supported more than 400 local startups and attracted more than $3 billion in investment to the region. “We help ensure investors aren’t flying over St. Louis,” he explains. “The foundation and intellectual capacity for important work was already here. We just needed to unlock that potential as an engine for economic growth. BioSTL has shown that St. Louis can build a global reputation as a leader in bioscience.”

Community support is essential to making BioSTL’s mission possible. While the nonprofit receives federal, state and foundation funding, the support of individual donors and businesses makes a huge impact. “In the last few years, we’ve seen opportunities for St. Louis blossom exponentially, but at the same time, the resources available to capitalize on these opportunities have not grown alongside them,” Rubin says. “So much potential has been left untapped. Local philanthropy makes all the difference in ensuring St. Louis doesn’t have to leave any opportunities for growth on the table.”

BioSTL will host the Breakthrough 25 Gala on Aug. 27 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The evening will highlight the 25 years of impact the nonprofit has had in the region. It’s the first event of its kind that the organization has hosted. For many St. Louisans, the gala may serve as an introduction to BioSTL. “We are one of the best kept secrets in St. Louis,” Rubin notes. “We’re inviting those who care about the future of the region and ensuring St. Louis is a source of discovery and innovation to join us. With the support of the community, BioSTL can continue broadening its impact for the next quarter century and beyond.”

BioSTL turns the promise of bioscience innovation into lasting economic impact for St. Louis. Its Breakthrough 25 Gala is Aug. 27 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: John McDonnell, Arnold Donald, Donn Rubin, Laura and Michael Ellenhorn. For more information, call 314.775.1564 or visit biostl.org.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at the top: Honorary gala chair John McDonnell and BioSTL president and CEO Donn Rubin
Photo: Tim Parker Photography