Missouri lawmakers, industry leaders discuss how to grow tech industry in next five years
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri has the seventh fastest growing tech sector in the country, according to a newly released report that says it could be the key to economic growth for the state.
Business and tech leaders from across the state are meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the Missouri Capitol on Wednesday. Missouri could be positioned to benefit from the growing tech industry, that’s according to a report from the Missouri Chamber called Technology 2030.
The report outlines several key suggestions for the state to cash in on this potential:
- Leverage sectors where Missouri already has strengths
- Focus talent recruitment on returning Missourians
- Expand efforts to connect young people with technology careers
- Increase outreach to underrepresented groups in the technology workforce
- Promote regional business climate strengths
- Address weaknesses in technology infrastructure and digital equity
- Establish a public-private partnership for artificial intelligence advancement
“There is a lot of countries that are watching the middle of the country. We’re not just operating on a national stage, we’re operating on a global stage,” said St. Louis Democratic Sen. Brian Williams, who is one of the founding of the bipartisan Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus.
As the Trump istration issues tariffs and other policies aimed at encouraging manufacturing and technology to move into the United States, Missouri could be positioned to welcome those new hubs.
Favia D’Souza co-founded Sentio BioSciences in Maryland Heights. Their pharmaceutical manufacturing business is a prime example of tech moguls from all across the world seeing the potential of Missouri.
She said there are three things that make Missouri stand out to a potential tech company: central location, low cost of living, and a highly skilled workforce from an abundance of universities and trade schools.
“Especially with the current istration, there is a lot of pressure to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S.,” D’Souza said. “Missouri, I think, is well placed. It’s actually almost a jewel, hidden.”
If the state wants to see this growth, it has to attract these businesses. D’Souza said Missouri needs to offer start-up incentives, especially to small businesses, in order to really capitalize on this potential.
A bill that would offer those incentives was approved by a Senate earlier this month, but lawmakers are running out of time to get bills across the finish line with only a few weeks left in the legislative session.
“When someone is looking to move and relocate, I want them to say, ‘Why not Missouri?’ Instead of, ‘Why would we go to Missouri?’ I want them to come here, open up shops and jobs and businesses to further our state,” said Marshall Republican Sen. Kurtis Gregory, who sponsors the bill.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
