Emily Lohse-Busch

In the year since a nonprofit was established to run the innovation district, it’s made strides to build out more real estate and solidify St. Louis’ position as a leader in the plant sciences and agriculture sectors.

“How do we create conditions where it makes more sense for a company to either stay in St. Louis, or move here, if they want to do something related to agtech?” the innovation district’s executive director said.

The new executive director of an initiative designed to attract startups to the St. Louis area brings a mix of national and local experiences to the…