KC BioHub leaders refining plan after $75M Tech Hubs proposal fails initial test
July 2, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A massive regional initiative to secure federal funds for Kansas City’s burgeoning Tech Hub failed to win approval, BioNexus KC officials announced Tuesday, with advocates lauding organizers’ efforts and pledging to continue their push.
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks at Union Station in Kansas City during a ceremonial Tech Hubs announcement in October; photo courtesy of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran’s office
The KC BioHub was seeking funding Phase II funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs competition — a process that began publicly in fall 2022, culminating with a funding submission in March.
ICYMI: KC requests $75M in federal funds as region’s Tech Hubs effort builds even more momentum
“We are proud of the work accomplished by our team and partners in preparing for this highly competitive process,” said Melissa Roberts Chapman, acting regional innovation officer for the KC BioHub. “The KC BioHub initiative has demonstrated the strength and potential of Kansas City’s innovation community, and we remain dedicated to pursuing other opportunities to advance our goals.”
Despite the just-announced outcome, the KC BioHub Consortium — with 110-plus member organizations — remains steadfast in its commitment to this work and will reapply in February 2025, Roberts Chapman and other regional leaders said. The Tech Hubs competition, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to stimulate technological advancements across the United States, entailed a rigorous selection process.
Click here to see which Tech Hubs just earned Phase II funding.
ICYMI: KC officially earns title of ‘Tech Hub,’ opening door to massive federal grant funding
Dennis Ridenour, president and CEO of BioNexus KC, speaks to members of the KC BioHub consortium during an event celebrating the initiative’s application for Tech Hubs Phase 2 funding from the federal government; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“There has been a palpable energy for this effort since being awarded Phase I in October 2023, and we believe it served as a uniquely unifying opportunity for the Kansas City region,” said Dennis Ridenour, CEO of BioNexus KC. “This effort brought together research institutions, community colleges, small businesses, economic development agencies, local governments, elected officials, investors, workforce organizations, philanthropy, and life sciences industry in a truly remarkable collaboration.”
Roberts Chapman emphasized more work to come as the KC BioHub readies for its next funding opportunities.
“While we are obviously disappointed, we continue to be energized by the proposed work we put forward and the excitement it has brought to our region’s life sciences ecosystem,” she said in a message to supporters of the initiative.
“We extend our congratulations to the Tech Hubs that received funding in this round and look forward to future collaborations and opportunities to showcase the KC Region’s strengths,” Roberts Chapman continued. “Remember, we are still one of 31 EDA-designated Tech Hubs. Today’s news does not change our status or our ambition.”
In the coming weeks and months, she added, the consortium plans to refine and resubmit its proposal — noting the KC BioHub is eligible to do so on Feb. 28, 2025.
Click here to learn more about the KC BioHub.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
How a humble DIY upbringing sparked this streetwear designer’s minimalist aesthetic
Flaws are part of nature, says Clark Rooseveltte: Go forth and be creative (not normal) Clark Rooseveltte — already known across Kansas City as the man behind the mic (and the mixtape) — is inviting others into his world of creative living through Clvr World Goods and Supply, a lifestyle brand focused on streetwear and…
Matt Baysinger: Choir Bar revival is just one note in Swell Spark’s chorus of experiences planned for 2025
Developments from within Kansas City-based entertainment group Swell Spark are coming in a round this winter, said Matt Baysinger, starting with the crescendoing return of its Choir Bar group singalong experience after a five-year hiatus. “We want to create places where people can come together, relax, and try something a little different,” said Baysinger, whose…
Early success gave this young entrepreneur the credibility to bridge community, business gaps
At 21, Jonathan Pitallo is already an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and investor, he shared, but community engagement might be his biggest passion, he said. The Kansas City, Kansas, resident and Belton native founded Vive Promo and Print, is an agent at EXP Realty, and owns three properties, but he’s also an ambassador for the…
KC inventor rolls elevated litter box to market (and cats already are making the leap)
Amy Leiker can take criticism and feedback, the Lenexa-based LoftyLoo creator said, noting she couldn’t have survived a career in corporate marketing and health care without it. So when it comes to her elevated litter box invention, she’s quick to jump to its defense, but open to making the product even more user (and cat)…