The Kansas City Advantage
When it comes to biologics, the KC region delivers.
Biomanufacturing of the Future
Our connected biomanufacturing expertise spans human and animal health resulting in one of the most powerful and concentrated hubs in the United States.
- Biotech Hub: Kansas City is a leading biotech hub, with industry concentration 2.4x the national average.
- Industry Presence: Home to 150+ bioscience and life sciences companies driving innovation and commercialization.
- Animal Health: Produces approximately 27% of the world’s animal health biologics, making KC a global leader.
- Biosecurity Innovation: National center for animal health and biosecurity research and development.
- Pharma Manufacturing: A Top 3 U.S. metro for pharmaceutical manufacturing, with industry strength 70% above the national average.
An Ecosystem Built to Deliver
- Research Assets: Home to leading institutions including
- MRIGlobal, a nonprofit focused on health and national security solutions
- National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, the nation’s premier biodefense facility focused on zoonotic disease
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Institute, which works to advance precision medicine and health solutions
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI): home to one of the most progressive and dynamic pediatric research programs in the world pursuing discoveries to improve the health and wellbeing of children everywhere
- K-State Biosecurity Research Institute, a bio-containment research facility addressing threats to plant, animal, and human health
- MO S&T Bioplex
- Research Universities: Home to four R1 universities driving innovation and talent development.
- Research Funding: KC BioHub partner universities conduct more than $1.25 billion in annual research.
- Private Investment: 78% of local life sciences companies invest in their own R&D.
- Talent Pipeline: More than 87,000 students enrolled in four-year colleges across the region.
Infrastructure that Connects
Kansas City is widely recognized as a top-tier U.S. cold chain logistics hub. It is ranked the #1 rail center in the U.S. by tonnage, the #3 truck center, and can reach 85% of the U.S. population within two days.
- Strategic Location: Kansas City offers a central U.S. location with strong transportation access, a major international airport, reliable utilities, available real estate, a skilled workforce, and competitive operating costs.
- Cold-Chain Capacity: The region has more than 52 million cubic feet of cold storage space.
- Rail Connectivity: Direct access to the Canadian Pacific Kansas City network supports efficient refrigerated shipping across North America and key U.S.–Mexico trade routes.
- Affordability: Home prices are approximately 18% below the national average, making Kansas City one of the most affordable major U.S. metros.
- Short Commutes: Among the best in the country, with commute times ranking 3rd among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas.
“We see the opportunity to build more jobs, more investment, more of a strong brand for Kansas City, for Missouri, and Kansas each and every day."
Quinton Lucas
Kansas City, MO Mayor
Our Network
KC BioHub Partners
Kansas City BioHub consortium is centered around trusted organizations across Kansas and Missouri including leading public, private, academic and philanthropic partners.
