Sigma-Aldrich® Commits $250,000 to BioSTL to Bolster Innovation in the Region
Grant promotes economic development through science and technology
St. Louis, July 15, 2015 /3BL Media/ – BioSTL, the St. Louis organization advancing regional prosperity by cultivating the bioscience and innovation ecosystem, announced today it received a $250,000 grant from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. The funds are boosting BioSTL’s programs that build a strong bioscience ecosystem and highlight Sigma-Aldrich’s commitment to improving the St. Louis region through science and technology.
“The concentration of science and business talent Sigma-Aldrich has assembled in St. Louis over many decades, making it one of the world’s leading suppliers of scientific research tools, will continue to be a tremendous asset in St. Louis’ standing as a global bioscience leader,” said Donn Rubin, President & CEO of BioSTL.
“With a long-standing focus on science and research and dedication to improving quality of life, Sigma-Aldrich applauds BioSTL’s track record of promoting biosciences regional growth in St. Louis,” said Jeffrey Whitford, Director, Global Citizenship from Sigma-Aldrich. “We believe that science and technology are key in building a robust local economy, and we are proud to partner with BioSTL on this mission.”
Sigma-Aldrich’s contribution will support many areas of BioSTL’s programming including promoting regional collaboration, increasing global awareness about St. Louis’ strengths in bioscience, engaging women and minorities to consider opportunities in bioscience, and increasing the availability of investment capital for St. Louis startups.
In addition to this monetary contribution, Sigma-Aldrich has, for several years, actively partnered with BioSTL on initiatives including:
- Providing significant product donations to the BioGenerator Labs, which provide shared lab and office space to early-stage bioscience companies in the St. Louis region, helping to offset capital costs for equipment and infrastructure.
- Serving as a founding partner for the Diversity Awareness Partnership’s EXPLORE Bioscience program, which engages local high school students from diverse backgrounds in the bioscience and innovation ecosystem in St. Louis encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
- Collaborating with BioSTL on its St. Louis-Israel Innovation Connection initiative, helping to capitalize on strengths shared by St. Louis and Israel through Sigma-Aldrich’s major R&D presence in Israel.
BioSTL looks forward to continuing to partner with Sigma-Aldrich on exploring the synergies and connections between St. Louis’ corporate, university, and entrepreneurial strengths that help Sigma-Aldrich’s business grow.
About BioSTL
BioSTL advances St. Louis’ economic vitality by cultivating a strong bioscience and innovation ecosystem. BioSTL organizes business, university, and philanthropic leaders around a set of deliberate strategies that capitalize on St. Louis’ strengths in medical and plant sciences. Focus areas include: building and investing in startups through our venture development arm, BioGenerator; improving access to investment capital; ensuring appropriate physical infrastructure; promoting science- and innovation-friendly public policy; fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial talent pool in the region; attracting the U.S. presence of international companies; and communicating St. Louis’ strengths. Please visit www.biostl.org for additional information. Follow BioSTL on twitter @BioSTL.
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