ST. LOUIS — Eight research institutions are joining forces to create the Taylor Geospatial Institute, a new entity based locally and aimed at expanding St. Louis’ position as a hub of geospatial research and innovation.
With the newly created center envisioned as becoming a key component in St. Louis' ongoing effort to bolster its burgeoning geospatial technology sector, officials behind the Taylor Geospatial Center say they believe it can play the same role in geotech that the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has in elevating St. Louis’ prowess in plant science and agriculture innovation.
The launch of Taylor Geospatial Institute is being funded through a “legacy investment” from Andy Taylor, executive chairman of Clayton-based rental car giant Enterprise Holdings Inc., and with capital from its eight members. Member institutions include the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Saint Louis University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Washington University.
“Geospatial is the critical technology in nearly everything we do, and it is imperative that St. Louis have the world’s leading geospatial research institution to fulfill our promise as the global center for geospatial technology in the next decade,” Taylor, who is also founding chair of economic development group Greater St. Louis Inc., said in a statement. “It is my hope that this institute will cement St. Louis as the world’s true center for geospatial excellence.”
The amount of funding being pledged by Taylor and the institute’s eight members was not disclosed.
The Taylor Geospatial Institute initially will be located at SLU.
Read the full story on the St. Louis Business Journal website.