Cortex Innovation Community

Cortex Innovation Community Cortex is a vibrant innovation space serving as an inclusive economic engine for St. Louis. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St.

Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cortex Innovation Community (CortexSTL.org) is an internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship that is focused on accelerating inclusive economic growth in St.

“Surviving is not enough anymore. Thriving is the goal.”That’s the mindset of Adjo, founder and owner of FUFU n' Sauce a...
02/18/2026

“Surviving is not enough anymore. Thriving is the goal.”

That’s the mindset of Adjo, founder and owner of FUFU n' Sauce and our latest feature in the Black Innovators at Cortex series.

Adjo immigrated to the U.S. from Togo, built a career in science, and then turned her skills toward entrepreneurship — launching a food truck, catering company, and restaurant that brings authentic African cuisine to St. Louis. Through Cortex's Square One incubator, she gained the mentorship and tools to grow her idea into a thriving business.

Now, she’s closing the food diversity gap, creating community, and building legacy -- read more on Adjo's We Are Cortex story here: https://www.cortexstl.org/newsroom/blogs/we-are-cortex-adjo-honsou

  is just ONE week away — and seats are filling up! ✨ We can’t wait to celebrate Black innovation, impact, and community...
02/17/2026

is just ONE week away — and seats are filling up! ✨ We can’t wait to celebrate Black innovation, impact, and community together.

Also announcing -- Cortex is proud to feature food and drinks from local Black-owned businesses Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering and Lush Libations!

With a leader panel plus networking and selfies in Frizzy Lounge presented by Frizzy By Nature -- it’s going to be a beautiful evening!

Don't miss this dynamic Black History Month experience -- RSVP now: https://forms.monday.com/forms/f586dc2798ba2ed79e4e970781311fa2?r=use1

Start tomorrow morning the right way, with a cup of joe! ☕ Join us for a FREE Park Avenue Coffee pop-up, hosted by Corte...
02/10/2026

Start tomorrow morning the right way, with a cup of joe! ☕

Join us for a FREE Park Avenue Coffee pop-up, hosted by Cortex:
⏰ Tomorrow, 8:00–9:30 AM
📍 SPECIAL LOCATION: 4220 Duncan, 1st Floor Lobby Café.

Connect with District neighbors and fuel your day, on us -- see you there!

Join us for Black Futures @ Cortex! ✨This Black History Month, Cortex is bringing together community members for an even...
01/29/2026

Join us for Black Futures @ Cortex! ✨

This Black History Month, Cortex is bringing together community members for an evening of connection, celebration and conversation on ownership and legacy.

📍 20 S. Sarah
📅 Tuesday, February 24

Hear from Cortex District changemakers including:
· LaParis Hawkins, Founder & CEO, Tailored Pieces and Cortex's Square One Alum
· Mark Lewis, Vice President of Finance and Business Operations, Wugen
· Annissa McCaskill, Executive Director, Forward Through Ferguson

Panel moderated by Tashara Earl, Ambassador, Cortex's Square One Alum, and Founder of Shades of Color.

Come for the insights, stay for the networking—and enjoy food from local Black chefs. Free to attend and everyone is welcome! RSVP today: https://forms.monday.com/forms/f586dc2798ba2ed79e4e970781311fa2?r=use1

Black History Month is a time to honor not only where we have been, but who is shaping what's next.Next month, join Cort...
01/20/2026

Black History Month is a time to honor not only where we have been, but who is shaping what's next.

Next month, join Cortex for "Black Futures @ Cortex: Leveraging Influence + Innovation at the Table", an evening with conversations centered upon ownership, innovation and legacy.

Featuring a dynamic panel of Black leaders, meaningful networking, and cuisine from local Black chefs:
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 The Showroom at 20 S. Sarah

Free and open to all! RSVP today: https://forms.monday.com/forms/f586dc2798ba2ed79e4e970781311fa2?r=use1

✨ Hello, 2026!Start the new year strong with Cortex District events designed to inspire, inform and energize. Whether yo...
01/05/2026

✨ Hello, 2026!
Start the new year strong with Cortex District events designed to inspire, inform and energize. Whether you’re here to learn, gather, or work -- there is something for everyone -- from networking opportunities to wellness programming.
📍 Take a look at what's coming up this month, mark your calendar and join us throughout January @ Cortex.

For daily District updates and more event details, follow us on Instagram Stories and visit our Events calendar: https://www.cortexstl.org/gather/events

As Cortex takes time to rest and recharge this holiday season, we are grateful for the innovators, collaborators, and ch...
12/24/2025

As Cortex takes time to rest and recharge this holiday season, we are grateful for the innovators, collaborators, and changemakers who power our ecosystem.

Every day across our 200-acre district, our community transforms ideas into real solutions that positively impact our region—and the world. That’s something truly worth celebrating.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a bright, innovative year ahead.

Calling all founders! Have a business idea? Don’t launch it blind.Cortex's Square One IGNITE helps you test, refine, and...
12/16/2025

Calling all founders! Have a business idea? Don’t launch it blind.

Cortex's Square One IGNITE helps you test, refine, and validate your idea before you take the leap. In just 4 weeks, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a plan.

Spring Session begins Feb 23, 2026 -- apply today: http://www.cortexstl.org/SQ1

Tomorrow's the LAST day to participate in our Winter Coat Drive with CIC - Cambridge Innovation Center! Choose one of tw...
12/11/2025

Tomorrow's the LAST day to participate in our Winter Coat Drive with CIC - Cambridge Innovation Center! Choose one of two options to give warmth to those in need:

🧥 Stop by three Cortex/CIC locations and drop-off new and gently used children’s coats (sizes toddler to teen) for local families. Too many children in our community face the cold without proper warmth—and together, we can help change that.

📦 Donate online via our Amazon list
You can purchase a coat, and it will ship directly to 4240 Duncan Avenue. Shop here: https://lnkd.in/gbSvMBu5

Thank you to all who have already contributed! If you have not yet -- there's still time! It's not to late to spread joy and peace during this holiday season.

Happy December from Cortex! ❄️ As the year comes to a close, we extend a heartfelt happy holidays to our District member...
12/02/2025

Happy December from Cortex! ❄️

As the year comes to a close, we extend a heartfelt happy holidays to our District members and neighbors. Thank you for participating in District events and programming in 2025. Showing up, sharing, and connecting drives our innovation ecosystem, and we are grateful for our community!

The year is far from over: check out this month's events from WEPOWER, Frizz Fest, Move by BJC, and more. For daily District updates and more event details, follow us on Instagram Stories and visit our Events calendar: https://www.cortexstl.org/gather/events

Get ready for FRIZZMAS! ❄️🎁🎄🛍️  Our friends Frizzy By Nature is bringing the annual holiday extravaganza back to Cortex!...
11/24/2025

Get ready for FRIZZMAS! ❄️🎁🎄🛍️
Our friends Frizzy By Nature is bringing the annual holiday extravaganza back to Cortex! You’ll find several Black-owned businesses (including some SQ1 alumni!) offering holiday-ready products and services, all supporting our mission of inclusive economic growth. And for some extra cheer, Black Santa STL will be making an appearance! Join us for this festive and FREE community event.

Address

4240 Duncan Avenue, Ste 200
St. Louis, MO
63110

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13145314500

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