K-State part of coalition selected for new regional tech hub
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023
Kansas State University is part of a coalition of Kansas City regional organizations, the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub, that has been selected as one of 31 Tech Hubs by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — A coalition of Kansas City regional organizations, including Kansas State University, has been selected as one of 31 Tech Hubs by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The regional proposal, the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub, or KC BioHub, will aim to build biomanufacturing capacity and add jobs and businesses in the Kansas City area.
"K-State is proud to be a part of the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub," said Beth Montelone, senior associate vice president for research. "Our use-inspired research in human and animal vaccines and biologics as well as advanced biomaterials will drive the innovation ecosystem of the region. We will also contribute to developing a robust and inclusive workforce for this sector of the economy."
The KC BioHub coalition is led by BioNexus KC and includes more than 70 partner organizations representing academia, entrepreneurship, corporations, government, workforce development and venture capital hub involvement from all four regional research universities — K-State, the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri-Kansas City — as well as from two-year and community colleges, including Donnelly College, Metropolitan Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College.
"This exciting announcement builds upon and extends our efforts in research, innovation and workforce development in the areas of biomanufacturing and biosciences," said David Rosowsky, vice president for research.
According to Rosowsky, the Biologics and Biomanufacturing EDA Tech Hub comes on the heels of a recent announcement from the state to fund a biomanufacturing training and education center at K-State, an announcement from the National Science Foundation to support a Type-1 Regional Innovation Engine in Biosciences being led by K-State, an internal major equipment grant program in biosciences and biomanufacturing, and plans to hire 12 new faculty positions in biomanufacturing, supporting biosciences and enabling technologies.
"This new tech hub and the opportunities it will present for our faculty and students, researchers, and partners across our region will also help us build new university-industry partnerships, compete successfully for additional funding and investments, and attract companies to Kansas," Rosowsky said.
The proposal includes the hiring of a regional innovation officer, the creation of a nonprofit contract development and manufacturing organization, the creation of a workforce development council engaging biomanufacturing employers and the development of the KC Health Sciences Innovation District. The KC BioHub will join other Tech Hub designees in applying for awards of $50-75 million to grow these innovation ecosystems over the next five years.
