Podcasts / Fast Forward STL / Why TechSTL CEO Emily Hemingway believes mid-sized tech firms are key to St. Louis’ future

Why TechSTL CEO Emily Hemingway believes mid-sized tech firms are key to St. Louis’ future

The entrepreneur weighs in on how the rapidly changing tech landscape is reshaping work across all industries and how TechSTL is working to close talent gaps.

by SLM Staff April 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM April 9, 2026

Keith Alper, host of Fast Forward STL; Emily Hemingway, CEO of TechSTL

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down with Emily Hemingway, a tech entrepreneur who has spent two decades driving innovation and economic growth in communities across the country. Most recently as founding CEO of Tech STL—a nonprofit focused on proactively growing the tech ecosystem in the St. Louis metro area—she launched one of the region’s largest tech communities and STL Tech Week, which has drawn tens of thousands of attendees. Hear about the evolving demand for tech skills across industries, the shrinking pipeline of entry-level roles, and what St. Louis must do to retain talent and strengthen its tech ecosystem. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

“There is a legacy of innovation and manufacturing and production here in the region. Paired with the universities and the industry verticals and the federal anchor institutions that we have here—between NGA and the Scott Air Force Base—we have some really strong players. Now, as a metro, we’re really having to figure out how do we then fill in more of the gaps.” –EH

This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington. Lot of banks talk about giving back, but Bank of Washington actually shows up. Volunteer work and support for nonprofits and Main Street businesses are all driven by a belief that banking should create real impact, not just transactions. When customers choose this bank, they help make that impact possible. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

About The Host

Keith Alper

As the CEO of St. Louis–based Nitrous Effect, Keith has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, branding, and event production. He works across large-scale live events, broadcast projects, and creative strategy. He’s an active contributor to the region’s entrepreneurial community, serving in advisory and board roles. Keith is the author of From Like to Love, a reflection on how organizations build stronger, more meaningful connections. He’s excited for you to join him on his podcasting journey with Fast Forward STL.