The U.S. Economic Development Administration has named the KC region and Missouri “Tech Hubs” as part of a historic investment to strengthen the U.S. economy and national security – and the University of Missouri-Kansas City played a significant role in this recognition.
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, along with national and other local leaders, spoke at an announcement event Monday at the Greater Kansas City of Commerce boardroom at Union Station.
“The new Tech Hubs designation provides great scope for innovation in Kansas City – and I can envision all the groundbreaking advancements to come as our UMKC students, faculty and staff work in collaboration with the many fantastic organizations in the greater Kansas City area,” Agrawal said. “We at UMKC could not be more excited.”
Speakers at an announcement event about KC being named a Tech Hub include UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal (at podium), U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, BioNexus KC President and CEO Dennis Ridenour and U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. Photos by Brandon Parigo | UMKC
The regional proposal, Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), led by BioNexus KC, of which the university is a member, UMKC and more than 60 partner organizations, will ramp up life-saving vaccine production and other preventative technologies to leverage regional assets and the existing ecosystem to become a global leader in biomanufacturing and life sciences. KC BioHub can now apply for phase 2 funding of up to $75 million.
“The Tech Hubs designation is not just a title; it’s a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the entire Kansas City community,” said Maria Meyers, executive director of the UMKC Innovation Center. “It highlights our shared commitment to innovation and our ability to harness our collective potential. The UMKC Innovation Center is excited to play a pivotal role in this journey, and we can’t wait to witness the advancements that will emerge from this exciting collaboration.”
Agrawal said the Tech Hubs designation and the opportunity that comes with it, is a natural next step for the community, and one UMKC has been preparing for.
