Whatโ€™s Next For St. Louis With Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore

As the number of St. Louis startups continue to grow, the voices and concerns of its founders, grassroots organizers and support organizations need to be heard, perhaps now more than ever.

What does the St. Louis innovation community need to do now to support its startups? Where is it succeeding?

We gathered community members to talk to us about our regionโ€™s current challenges and possible solutions.ย 

Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore is the Director of Bioscience & Entrepreneurial Inclusion for BioSTL.

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What are three issues, gaps or improvements that St. Louisโ€™ startup ecosystem needs to address?

Provide pathways to develop an inclusive bioscience workforce; funds that support minority ventures; greater alignment between existing support programs.

Which one would you focus on first?

Provide pathways to develop an inclusive bioscience workforce pipeline engaging both women and minority youth to adults in STEM careers.

What approach would you take to solving that?

Confirming career entry points, documenting support programs for those entry points and communicating these to audiences to align career interests with these pathways.

What is your hope for St. Louisโ€™ startup future?

In the next few years, I hope that our ecosystem is distinguished from others by our inviting, innovative, collaborative, diverse and inclusive community.

What do you love about the current state of STLโ€™s startup scene?

Its collaborative and ready-to-assist attitude.

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