BioGenerator Startup Connect
September 9-10, 2026
This invite-only event brings together high-potential startups, investors, and ecosystem partners. If you have questions or are interested in attending, contact aj@biogeneratorventures.com.
Keynote Speakers
Jim McKelvey
Co-Founder, Square (Block), Founder, Fastrials
Jim McKelvey is Founder of Fasttrials, Co-founder of Square (Block), former Chair of the St. Louis Federal Reserve, and a Washington University trustee. He is a renowned artist/designer with works in the Smithsonian and Museum of Modern Art and a serial entrepreneur committed to innovation in healthcare and sustainability.
John Hamer
Managing Partner, DCVC Bio
John Hamer, Ph.D., is Managing Director at DCVC Bio. Previously, he was Managing Director at Monsanto Growth Ventures and Burrill & Company, CEO of Arête Therapeutics, and CSO and CEO at Paradigm Genetics. John was a Professor of Biological Sciences at Purdue University. John received a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. from the University of Windsor and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis.
Agenda
Wednesday, September 9
Location: WashU Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, 4370 Duncan Ave.
12:00 PM – Registration & Lunch, Lobby
1:00 PM – Welcome: Jim McCarter — Senior Managing Director BioGenerator Ventures
2:00 PM – Excite Talks, Auditorium
MediBeacon
Saluna
BIOIO
Edison Agrosciences
Status Health
ProvanAI
3:00 PM – Networking Break, Lobby
3:30 PM – Concurrent Sessions
Startup Feedback Sessions
Assigned BioGenerator Conference Rooms, BioSTL building 4340 Duncan Ave
Session 1: 3:40–4:05 PM
Session 2: 4:15–4:40 PM
Founder Networking & Company Showcase
Fort Labs
5:00 PM – Networking Reception, Vicia Restaurant
6:00 PM – Dinner, Vicia Restaurant
Thursday, September 10
Location: WashU Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, 4370 Duncan Ave.
7:30 AM – Breakfast from Winslow's Table, Lobby
8:00 AM – Keynote Speaker
9:00 AM – Excite Talks, Auditorium
Omniose
Plastomics
Buck Surgical
Pranas Neuro
MaxFi Surgical Simulations
Amplifi Vascular
10:00 AM – Networking Break, Lobby
10:30 AM – Concurrent Sessions
Startup Feedback Sessions
Assigned BioGenerator Conference Rooms, BioSTL building 4340 Duncan Ave
Session 1: 10:30–10:50 AM
Session 2: 11:00–11:20 AM
Founder Networking & Company Showcase
Fort Labs
Location: WashU Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, 4370 Duncan Ave.
11:30 PM – Keynote Speaker
12:00 PM – Lunch from Winslow's Table, Lobby
What to Expect at Startup Connect
Over two days, Startup Connect offers:
- Presentations from more than a dozen high-potential startups in human health and agriculture
- Opportunities to meet leading venture investors and ecosystem partners
- Engagement with academic, government, and corporate leaders
- Meetings and networking to explore collaboration and investment
The event is designed to accelerate startup growth, strengthen partnerships, and highlight St. Louis as a thriving hub for bioscience and agtech innovation.
2025 Startup Connect PlaylistPresenting Companies
Day 1
Medical Device
Agriculture
Therapeutic
Agriculture
Consumer/Tools & Services
Digital Health
Day 2
Therapeutic (Vaccine)
Agriculture
Medical Device
Therapeutic
Medical Device
Medical Device
Why St. Louis?
St. Louis is home to one of the nation’s most vibrant innovation communities. With world-class research institutions like WashU and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, as well as thriving innovation districts such as Cortex Innovation District and 39 North, the region is a hub where scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors collaborate to transform ideas into impactful companies.
Since 2001, BioSTL has fostered a thriving St. Louis innovation ecosystem through strategic programs, collaborations, and convenings that connect startups, investors, and community partners.
Presenting Sponsor
Program Sponsor
Community Sponsor
Major BioGenerator Funders
Powered by BioGenerator Ventures
As BioSTL’s startup arm, BioGenerator supports the next generation of St. Louis biosciences companies with early capital, talent, and lab space.
- Greater than $50 million invested in early-stage ventures
- 140+ startups launched across human health and agtech
- Portfolio companies have raised $3 billion from 200+ global investors
- 200+ companies have operated from BioGenerator Labs in Cortex and the Helix Center in 39 North
- Thousands of high-quality jobs have been created in the region
The startups presenting at Startup Connect reflect the innovation BioSTL fosters in its mission to grow the St. Louis bioscience ecosystem.