KC BioHub

As we kick off 2025, it's gratifying to reflect on KC BioHub's remarkable achievements in 2024. While our successes were numerous, four key milestones stand out: Our journey began with a celebratory gathering with our consortium at Boulevard Brewing Company following our submission to the U.S. Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs grant program. This marked a pivotal moment in our mission to advance Kansas City's biomanufacturing ecosystem and a celebration of the growth of our consortium by more than 200%. KC BioHub consortium was grateful to host representatives from Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), U.S. Economic Development Administration and National Security Commission on Emerging BioTech. We were able to show off our regional assets in both Missouri and Kansas. These collaborations strengthen our regional partnerships and showcase KC's biomanufacturing capabilities. KC BioHub and consortium members enjoyed several trips to D.C. to network with U.S. Economic Development Administration, National Science Foundation (NSF), Italian Embassy, the Bank of Japan and other collaborators. Finally, we expanded our team with two exceptional full-time staff members: Laurie Brown and Melissa Roberts Chapman. Their expertise and dedication are helping to drive the KC BioHub consortium's mission forward. Looking ahead, we're energized by the momentum we've built and excited to continue advancing Kansas City's position as a leading Tech Hub.

🔬 Opportunity for health & biomedical innovators! KU Innovation Park is hosting a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) boot camp on January 23-24 to provide access to funding for small businesses engaged in federal research and development. Space is limited and applications are required. The deadline to apply is January 10.

We're grateful this holiday season that the U.S. Economic Development Administration has been reauthorized by congress for the first time in 20 years.

Inspiring highlights from the ROADMAP plenary sessions! 🚀 The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration united the nation's top regional technology ecosystems at the TCMA for Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Thought leaders dove deep into U.S. economic competitiveness, sharing insights on innovation ecosystems driving America's future. From groundbreaking technologies like universal tissue bioreactors to smart coastal monitoring systems, the event showcased the incredible potential emerging across our nation's innovation landscape. More than 20 presentations, panel discussions, and fireside chats highlighted the transformative power of place-based innovation, signaling bright prospects for technological advancement and economic opportunity.

Exciting opportunity for founders and startups in life sciences! BioTools Innovator has opened its accelerator applications for entrepreneurs developing life science tools, enabling technologies, or diagnostics solutions. This is your opportunity to join a world-class accelerator, connect with top-tier mentors, and access the tools you need to bring your innovation to market faster. 💸 Compete for up to $300,000 in prizes 📆 Deadline: January 15, 2025

InvestMidwest is returning to Saint Louis University on May 6-7, 2025. InvestMidwest is dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and startups throughout the Midwest region, with a specific emphasis on AgriFood, MedTech, and Digital Technology companies, striving to put a spotlight on innovation here in the Midwest. This year’s conference is specifically seeking manufacturing and development of vaccines, drugs or diagnostics spaces working in the Midwest, seeking seed to series A round funding. 🔔 Apply by December 20th for your chance to present your digital health innovation to hundreds of attendees from across the region. Register now for two days of networking, high-impact programming, and pitches from 70+ of the region's best startups.

Congratulations to our consortium partner MRIGlobal for their work with Healgen Scientific on developing the first FDA-authorized at-home test that simultaneously detects COVID-19, influenza A, and influenza B in just 15 minutes. This innovative test empowers individuals to quickly identify the specific cause of their illness, enabling more targeted treatment and faster healthcare decisions.

The KC BioHub is revolutionizing our region's approach to biologics and biomanufacturing, positioning Kansas City at the forefront of global health innovation. By harnessing the region's unique strengths in human and animal health, the KC BioHub is driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for all while enhancing vaccine production capabilities. Recognized as a U.S. Economic Development Administration designated Tech Hub, the region's work is focused on developing our workforce, accelerating translational research, boosting commercialization efforts, and ultimately strengthening U.S. health security. At the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative are two visionary professionals: 🔹 Melissa Roberts Chapman, President and Regional Innovation Officer 🔹 Laurie Brown, Vice President of Operations

We're excited to be attending the ROADMAP Summit, where the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration are uniting the nation's top regional technology ecosystems. This pivotal event explores how strategic investments are driving American innovation, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. Looking forward to connecting with industry leaders and shaping the future of technological development! 🚀

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