Video: Cortex Draws Global Interest in Science and Tech

A 200-acre innovation district in Midtown St. Louis is drawing entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, as the region builds on its strengths in life sciences, agriculture and biotechnology.

Cortex Innovation District has grown over the past 25 years into what organizers describe as one of the top startup hubs in the world, with more than 400 companies, 5,400 employees and more than $1.3 billion in investment.

Breath-based diagnostics company grows inside Cortex

One of those companies is Varro Life Sciences, co-founded by Tom Cirrito, which is developing breath-based devices for pathogen testing.

“This is a device where you can go into your local pharmacy, Walmart or big box store, because it’s so easy to operate,” Cirrito said. “You can get your diagnosis right there on the spot before you leave the store, which means you can get medicine immediately.”