BioGenerator Startup Connect
September 9-10, 2026
Keynote Speakers
Jim McKelvey
Co-Founder, Square (Block), Founder, Fastrials
Jim McKelvey is Founder of Fasttrials, Co-founder of Square (Block), former Chair of the St. Louis Federal Reserve, and a Washington University trustee. He is a renowned artist/designer with works in the Smithsonian and Museum of Modern Art and a serial entrepreneur committed to innovation in healthcare and sustainability.
John Hamer
Managing Partner, DCVC Bio
John Hamer, Ph.D., is Managing Director at DCVC Bio. Previously, he was Managing Director at Monsanto Growth Ventures and Burrill & Company, CEO of Arête Therapeutics, and CSO and CEO at Paradigm Genetics. John was a Professor of Biological Sciences at Purdue University. John received a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. from the University of Windsor and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis.
What to Expect at Startup Connect
Over two days, Startup Connect offers:
- Presentations from more than a dozen high-potential startups in human health and agriculture
- Opportunities to meet leading venture investors and ecosystem partners
- Engagement with academic, government, and corporate leaders
- Meetings and networking to explore collaboration and investment
The event is designed to accelerate startup growth, strengthen partnerships, and highlight St. Louis as a thriving hub for bioscience and agtech innovation.
2025 Startup Connect PlaylistWhy St. Louis?
St. Louis is home to one of the nation’s most vibrant innovation communities. With world-class research institutions like WashU and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, as well as thriving innovation districts such as Cortex Innovation District and 39 North, the region is a hub where scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors collaborate to transform ideas into impactful companies.
Since 2001, BioSTL has fostered a thriving St. Louis innovation ecosystem through strategic programs, collaborations, and convenings that connect startups, investors, and community partners.
Powered by BioGenerator Ventures
As BioSTL’s startup arm, BioGenerator supports the next generation of St. Louis biosciences companies with early capital, talent, and lab space.
- Greater than $50 million invested in early-stage ventures
- 140+ startups launched across human health and agtech
- Portfolio companies have raised $3 billion from 200+ global investors
- 200+ companies have operated from BioGenerator Labs in Cortex and the Helix Center in 39 North
- Thousands of high-quality jobs have been created in the region
The startups presenting at Startup Connect reflect the innovation BioSTL fosters in its mission to grow the St. Louis bioscience ecosystem.