Economic Council & Danforth Center Receive Grant for Plant and Life Sciences
Nancy Schnoebelen
Vice President Marketing & Communications
314.615.7617, nschnoebelen@slcec.com
St. Louis, MO, July 20, 2010 -U.S. Department of Commerce awarded St. Louis County Economic Council and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center a $4.6 million grant to expand plant and life sciences in St. Louis County. The Economic Council will develop a pre-feeder incubator, called the Helix Center, and $2 million will be allocated to the Danforth Center to construct a new greenhouse
"The St. Louis region has a strong niche in plant and life science research. This grant will assist both the Economic Council and Danforth Center in supporting and furthering research, innovation, technology, scientific jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.
The Economic Council in partnership with the Danforth Center applied for the grant in an effort to enhance the plant and life sciences hub in St. Louis County. The Helix Center, located at 1100 Corporate Square, within proximity to Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park, Nidus Center and Monsanto, will support the growth of early-stage companies in the plant and life science industry by providing affordable office and lab space and access to expertise, amenities and specialized support.
The greenhouse will support the research needs of the plant and life sciences at progressive stages from the earliest research to commercialization, the point at which innovation becomes concrete business technology. Technology products include the areas of crop stability, bio-fuels, bio-renewable products and pharmaceuticals. The greenhouse will serve scientists at the Danforth Center, entrepreneurs and early-stage companies locating at the Helix Center, and young, growth companies locating at BRDG Park.
"The badly needed greenhouse will provide additional critical infrastructure needed to advance the research at not only the Danforth Plant Science Center but also BRDG Park and the region's plant science hub," said Sam Fiorello, Chief Operating Officer of the Danforth Plant Science Center.
About St. Louis County Economic Council
Founded in 1984, St. Louis County Economic Council serves as the County's economic development agency, driving growth and prosperity in the most economically important county in Missouri. As the only economic development agency in the state to hold the esteemed Accredited Economic Development Organization from the International Economic Development Council, it provides a broad range of services to foster economic development. Please visit www.slcec.com for additional information.
About The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research at the Danforth Center will feed the hungry and improve human health, preserve and renew the environment, and enhance the St. Louis region and Missouri as a world center for plant science. Please visit www.danforthcenter.org for additional information.
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