Missouri companies, technology paving the way in innovation
- April 04, 2016
With its location in the Silicon Prairie, low operating costs, turnkey communications infrastructure, and efficient access to global data markets Missouri is making itself an attractive choice for tech companies and high tech innovators alike.
Missouri has long been known for its strong industrial economy, deep agricultural heritage and strong financial acumen, but in recent years it has become known as a booming center for technology and innovation.
With its location in the Silicon Prairie, low operating costs, turnkey communications infrastructure, and efficient access to global data markets Missouri is making itself an attractive choice for tech companies and high tech innovators alike.
Mobile payments company Square recently opened the doors at its Missouri office in the Cortex Innovation Community in St. Louis. The office is predicted to employ more than 200 people, and is Square’s second largest office. Square was founded by St. Louis natives Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey.
In addition to Square other tech companies are finding success in St. Louis as well. The Business Journals recently released its list of the Top 150 tech companies in the U.S. with 11 St. Louis companies making the list, including three in the top ten. World Wide Technology took the number two spot on the list, while Graybar took 4th, and Barry-Wehmiller Group came in at number ten. Other companies included on the list and their rankings were Distribution Management Inc., 36, CSI Leasing, 46, Rose International, 64, Keeley Cos., 81, Answers Corp., 90, Daugherty Business Solutions, 104, French Gerleman, 115, and KellyMitchell Group, 148.
St. Louis isn’t the only city in the state that is seeing advances in technology and innovation however. Kansas City was named as a “Smart City” contest finalist by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Nearly 80 cities participated in the competition, which provides funding for cities to add “smart” transportation technology. As a finalist, Kansas City received a $100,000 grant that it plans to use to turn its new streetcar line into a showcase for “Smart City” technology, including sensors on light posts and a network of information kiosks.
QM Power, another Missouri company, recently moved its manufacturing headquarters to Kansas City from its previous location in Lee’s Summit. The Move will allow QM Power to occupy more space and hire additional staff. QM Power utilized new technology and innovation to create a high-efficiency Q-Sync smart synchronous motor. The main use for the motors is powering refrigeration fans, of which the average grocery store has about 225. Tests have documented 50-80% energy savings for the QM motor over the two designs it can replace. Additionally, the motors are anticipated to save U.S. companies more than half a billion dollars in energy cost each year.
For more information on Missouri technology and innovation visit http://www.missouripartnership.com.