The Ecosystem

St. Louis is rewriting the story of innovation in the Midwest, and at the heart of this transformation is the Cortex Innovation District—a purpose-built neighborhood designed for discovery, collaboration, and growth. Once a 200-acre stretch of underdeveloped land along the city’s central corridor, the area has evolved into a vibrant community where entrepreneurs, researchers, and global companies come together to fuel the region’s innovation economy.

In the heart of downtown Providence, a bold idea reshaped the city. When Interstate 195 was relocated in the 2000s, it opened more than 26 acres of prime urban land that would be redeveloped into the 195 District, Providence’s Innovation District. Today, the District offers everything from prime office space in Providence, to exciting events and public spaces where startups, researchers, global companies, and creative thinkers can come together to turn ideas into impact.