Biomanufacturing initiative KC BioHub secures $34M in federal funding

Frida Humphreville | Kansas City Business Journal

KC BioHub, a biomanufacturing program led by BioNexus KC, won $34 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce to help increase the region's production of biologic medicines for people and animals.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, announced the award Monday in a release.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the greater Kansas City area and will help strengthen the future of bio and medical research and development throughout the region,” Moran said in the release. “I have long supported this program to give Kansas the opportunity to play a key role in supporting our national and economic security through increased research in biotechnology and other key technology areas, and I’m pleased by this latest investment that connects our state’s experienced, highly skilled workforce with the resources to advance innovation and support growth across the region.”

KC BioHub is one of two initiatives run by BioNexus KC, a Kansas City-based nonprofit that aims to advance life sciences research and innovation, according to the organization’s website. Digital Health KC is the other initiative.

BioNexus KC leads the Kansas City region's Tech Hub program. In 2023, the region became one of 31 federally designated Tech Hubs, a program aimed at increasing manufacturing and commercialization capacity and strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness.

In 2024, KC BioHub secured $10.6 million in local commitments as part of its effort to land $75 million in federal funds, which the program said could create 100 biotech firms and 10,000 jobs.

KC BioHub did not win the $75 million. Instead, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration divided $504 million in grants among a dozen other designated Tech Hubs.

Soon after missing out on the $75 million bid, KC BioHub received $500,000 from the Commerce Department.