TIME Names BioGenerator, the Startup Arm of BioSTL, One of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026
Ranked #2 Among Those with a Focus on Health and Life Sciences
[St. Louis, MO, August 19, 2026] – BioGenerator has been recognized by TIME as one of the top 80 incubators and accelerators in the United States. Considered a pioneer of the shared lab model—BioGenerator’s approach has been adopted by many since the early 2010s. The award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. This year’s list was announced on August 18, 2026. All awardees were judged on three key aspects: alumni evaluations, track record and expert recommendations.
This recognition reflects BioGenerator’s role in converting St. Louis’ scientific and competitive strength in human health and agriculture into high-growth, investable life science companies. Since 2004, BioGenerator has invested $53 million across 143 St. Louis startups—primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages—which have gone on to leverage over $3.1 billion from more than 200 global investors. Through a non-profit model combining $33 million in charitable contributions with $20 million in reinvested returns, BioGenerator continuously funds successive generations of founders. To date, 22 BioGenerator’s portfolio companies have had successful exits.
Approximately 93% of BioGenerator-backed companies remain headquartered in St. Louis, creating jobs and long-term economic value locally. Additionally, BioGenerator’s shared labs in the Cortex and 39 North innovation districts give startups access to world-class facilities and capital equipment at a fraction of the cost of comparable labs on the East and West Coasts. So far, more than 200 companies have benefited from the two spaces, shared equipment, and operational infrastructure provided by BioGenerator Labs.
"Over the past 25 years, St. Louis has built a world-class life science innovation economy spanning therapeutics, medtech, diagnostics, digital health, AI, research tools, and agtech," said Jim McCarter, Senior Managing Director of BioGenerator. “The recognition by TIME validates our comprehensive model, which goes far beyond capital. We have supported more than 400 startups with offerings including funding support, business leadership and lab infrastructure—we are proud to provide the ultimate runway for founders to build and scale.”
The recognition of BioGenerator comes at a time when BioSTL celebrates its 25th anniversary and is in the process of developing an ecosystem strategy for the coming quarter century.
“As innovators ourselves, two decades of company-building experience and lessons learned along the way have enabled pivots and adjustments to optimize our model, just like the individual startups we support,” said Donn Rubin, BioSTL Founding President & CEO and BioGenerator Chairman. “The TIME recognition acknowledges the commitment and experimentation that has helped build St. Louis’ thriving innovation ecosystem, which addresses some of the greatest challenges in human health and agriculture.”
About BioGenerator
Founded in 2003, BioGenerator is the startup arm of BioSTL. With a non-profit approach, BioGenerator creates, builds and invests locally in high-potential St. Louis companies and entrepreneurs who solve critical challenges in human health and agriculture, making an impact globally. For more information: www.biogeneratorventures.com
About BioSTL
Founded in 2001, BioSTL, a non-profit with a bold vision, has turned the promise of ag tech and health innovation into global solutions and lasting impact for St. Louis. The organization’s work focuses on three areas of impact: startup creation, workforce development, and building regional capabilities and reputation. For more information: biostl.org
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kiara Laack | 608-728-2465 (call or text) | klaack@biostl.org