Governor Jay Nixon returned to MRIGlobal for a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 7, the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA). 

Passed in special session, MOSIRA provides Missouri with a 25-year growth strategy, focusing on high-growth industries in science and technology.  

Legislators, dozens of business and bioscience leaders, and media attended. Dr. Michael Helmstetter, MRIGlobal President and CEO, introduced Governor Nixon, saying, “MOSIRA completes a missing link in the state’s economic development arsenal. It is a critical step forward for the state AND for organizations like ours, who exist to advance scientific knowledge and use technology innovation to improve life.”

MOSIRA includes the opportunity to invest in science and technology education, too. Attending were Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts’ FIRST robotics team. MRIGlobal staff mentor and coach the team and also tutor Paseo’s students in math and science.

MOSIRA takes a percentage of growth in state revenue from a group of science and innovation companies and uses it to finance emerging companies in those sectors. The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) will administer the MOSIRA funds.