Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers

By Tommy Felts | October 30, 2025

Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience. “The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment,…

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Merck plans $895M expansion for its De Soto biologics site; leaders tout strength of KC animal health corridor

By Tommy Felts | May 8, 2025

DE SOTO, Kan. — A biopharmaceutical giant plans to invest $895 million to expand its biologics facility in Kansas, notching another win as leaders position Kansas City as a hub for digital and animal health innovation. The 200,000-square-foot expansion project includes an $860 million investment in Merck Animal Health’s existing manufacturing site west of the…

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Big win for UMKC: Unlocking top tier research status gives KC new competitive edge

By Tommy Felts | February 14, 2025

A new milestone for the University of Missouri-Kansas City — achieving status as Kansas City’s first Carnegie R1 research institution — is expected to help boost the region’s ability to start, grow and scale more startups, leaders said this week, emphasizing the role university-led research plays in innovation across industries and communities. “It’s absolutely massive…

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Aussie livestock tech company tags Johnson County for its new North American HQ

By Tommy Felts | January 29, 2025

An Australian leader in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology announced its plans Wednesday to establish North American headquarters at the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park — bringing a half-dozen jobs and paving the way for more tech innovators from Australia to land in the local market. “The Kansas City region was the clear choice,” said David Smith,…

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