Southeast Missouri State University’s Sikeston campus has formed a partnership with Saluna, a St. Louis-based agricultural technology startup focused on developing hemp as a sustainable crop alternative. The university’s campus will serve as Saluna’s primary field research site, with the startup leasing space and field-testing property to conduct comprehensive seed trials. As part of the collaboration, Saluna will hire and train SEMO students to support their research initiatives, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in agricultural technology.
The partnership between Saluna and SEMO, which began in 2023, has already led to the hiring of three SEMO students by the startup. This collaboration not only benefits the students by providing them with real-world experience but also gives Saluna access to a productive agricultural region, enhancing their research capabilities. The expansion of Saluna in Sikeston underscores SEMO’s crucial role in connecting rural resources with urban innovation, thereby driving workforce development and supporting the growth of new businesses in the region.
