Kansas State University recently received a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award aimed at creating a biotech hub in the animal health corridor.
The NSF Engines Grant is designed to fund projects in areas that previously have had little federal attention. The grant that has been approved is a Type I grant, intended to allow a region to build up in preparation for the full $160 million grant.
K-State Senior Associate Vice President of Research Beth Montelone says the grant is intended to create high tech and science areas, comparing directly to Silicon Valley.
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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Economic Development Daryn Soldan says Fort Riley provides many of the new potential employees yearly.
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These new potential employees often attend the schools the NSF Grant will directly benefit. Montelone remarked that the existing infrastructure in local education will make the process straightforward.
She says the NSF Engines Grant isn’t the only funding being sought to reinforce the existing educational programs.
The NSF Engine Grant is to promote building of local educational resources to ultimately qualify for the entire $160 million grant available from the Federal Government. This will bring much needed money and resources into the Manhattan area.
The project team includes core partners from K-State, Manhattan Area Technical College, BioKansas, K-State Innovation Partners and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
