ST. LOUIS: ASCENDING AS A GLOBAL HUB FOR GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE AND FINTECH
In recent years, St. Louis has systematically positioned itself as a burgeoning center for innovation and industry, particularly in the fields of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and financial technology (FinTech).
Long recognized for its vibrant cultural and sports scene, as well as its historical landmarks, St. Louis is now cultivating a reputation on the global stage as a hub for cutting-edge technological advancements and entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Rise of Geospatial Intelligence
St. Louis’s rapid pivot toward geospatial intelligence can be attributed to longstanding relationships with institutions like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) — including NGA’s new HQ, opening in September — further bolstered by the emergence of a vibrant 18-block new innovation district.
Several years following his 2016 decision as Director of NGA to locate the agency’s $1.75 billion, 100-acre, 700,000 SF new Headquarters several blocks north of what has become St. Louis’ newest innovation district — the Downtown North Insight District — Robert Cardillo observed this original site selection decision:
“I couldn’t be more excited about being here and seeing this renovation, this result. I was imagining happening back in 2016, particularly when we were still shaping the investment decision. And so to be here today, seeing the movement happening here and what it’s building is special.”
Robert Cardillo, 6th NGA Director, now Board Chair of U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) and a national industry/academic leader, including serving as Chair of the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI).
“An Urban Insight District at the Heart of America”
The new Downtown North District, in the northern portion of the Central Business District, is just several blocks from NGA’s new Headquarters.
The momentum to which Robert Cardillo refers is taking shape in the mixed-use Downtown North District at the intersection of Geospatial Intelligence, FinTech, MedTech, and entrepreneurship in St. Louis.
Included in the mix of uses — residential lofts, hotels, restaurants, sports, and retail facilities — are three commercial anchors of Downtown North District area: The Globe Building; The Post Building; the T-Rex Incubator and the NGA’s Moon Shot Lab, not to mention America’s Center Convention Complex.
The rise of this emergence is these key anchors:
The $1.75 billion, 3100-job, 700,000-square-foot new HQ for the U.S. Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
The 720,000-square-foot Globe Building, a high-tech building that has become St. Louis’ geospatial hub and is home to a growing number of startups and government geospatial intelligence firms — including Maxar, GDIT, General Dynamics, Westway Services, and T-Kartor USA. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4DOMjWNZQo
A significant highlight within The Globe Building is its 75,000 square foot, single-floor SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility), which stands as the largest multi-tenant SCIF in the Midwest, offering unparalleled secure access for intelligence operations;
Complementing The Globe is the state-of-the-art 271,000 square foot Post Building, whose tenants include global FinTech leader Square/Block: https://thepoststl.com
These synergies of geospatial and financial technology firms foster an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration, propelling St. Louis to the forefront of technological development.
Map of Downtown North STL
1. The Globe Building | 2. The Post Building | 3.T-REX | 4. NGA Moonshot Labs | 5. America's Center Convention Complex
Innovation Incubators and Collaboration Spaces
To further enhance its standing, St. Louis boasts several innovation incubators and collaborative spaces such as the T-Rex Geospatial Incubator and the NGA’s Moon Shot Lab. https://downtownstl.org
These spaces provide fertile ground for innovation by offering startups the resources and community needed to thrive. With a focus on fostering innovation and accelerating development, these tools and environments help regional to navigate the complexities of their respective industries.
Additionally, the recent expansion of the America’s Center Convention Complex highlights St. Louis’s commitment to becoming a focal point for global conferences and industry gatherings, further emphasizing the city’s relevance on the international stage.
“Underscoring this point is St. Louis’ emergence as a Geospatial Hub, and the community’s growing importance is apparent as the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, an annual gathering of some 4,000 leaders in the GEOINT community. The USGIF chose to hold its annual Symposium in St. Louis in 2021 and 2023.”
FinTech Flourishes in the Gateway City
Parallel to the advancements in geospatial intelligence, St. Louis has also emerged as a hub for FinTech innovation. The city’s low cost of living, combined with an influx of venture capital, has positioned it as an attractive landscape for startups seeking to disrupt traditional financial sectors. A strong ecosystem of incubators and accelerators — such as the Post Building — highlights the city’s potential in driving financial technology forward.
The city's affordability, coupled with a skilled workforce graduating from its renowned universities, enhances its appeal as a destination for FinTech enterprises. Startups benefit from a collaborative community that encourages networking and knowledge exchange, essential for thriving in the fast-paced world of financial technology.
In 2002, Erik Lindbergh honored his grandfather’s 1927 trans-Atlantic flight by retracing it in a custom Lancair Columbia 300, 75 years after the original Spirit of St. Louis journey.
Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead
While the growth trajectory of St. Louis as a hub for Geospatial Intelligence and FinTech is promising, challenges remain.
St. Louis must continue to invest in infrastructure, education, and community inclusion to maintain this momentum. Additionally, fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce will be crucial in ensuring long-term success and global competitiveness.
As St. Louis continues to chart its course as a global leader in these arenas, it also returns to a historical moment — a tradition which dates back to the historic 1927 “Spirit of St. Louis” transatlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh.
Fittingly, one of the keynote speakers at the 2025 USGIF Symposium in St. Louis is Erik Lindbergh — who is spearheading a civic initiative to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the “Spirit of St. Louis” flight. The celebration will center on New York, Paris, and St. Louis (which held the headquarters for the aviation committee).
In 2026, Erik Lindbergh is expected to “Spirit of St. Louis” flight by flying the Trans-Atlantic once again.
National Geospatial leader, Keith Masback, recently described St. Louis’ geospatial aspirations as “an upward spiral,” noting that St. Louis’ SCIF and innovation SCIF in The Globe Building is a “St. Louis Geospatial Secret Weapon.”
Source: St. Louis’ geospatial aspirations are its ‘secret weapon’ | Opinion - St. Louis Business Journal
The geospatial groundwork laid today not only promises economic benefit, but also reinforces St. Louis’ beacon of progress and technological advancement on the global stage.
