KC BioHub leaders refining plan after $75M Tech Hubs proposal fails initial test

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.