Kansas State University Receives $7M to Drive Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative

The federal government has invested $7 million to support Kansas State University’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative. The funding will be directed toward the construction of a new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility.

Through the initiative, the university is working on establishing itself as a hub for industry partnerships and workforce development.

“As Kansas continues to grow its animal health corridor, Kansas State University is uniquely equipped to train the workforce needed for this industry,” said U.S. Senator Herry Moran. “I worked to secure federal resources to bolster K-State’s efforts to build Manhattan into a premier location for biotechnology and biodefense companies looking to expand.”

Four facilities

The Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility is one of four facilities integral to the initiative, according to Moran, as it is aimed at advancing vaccine production while producing biologics to combat zoonotic diseases and other health threats. It will also provide hands-on training for the next generation of biosecurity researchers.

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for supporting us to receive this federal funding. With it, K-State is positioned to have a lasting impact on both the health of Kansans and the health of the economy,” noted Richard Linton, Kansas State University president. “Our work in biomanufacturing not only addresses current health challenges but will also pave the way for future innovation as the next-generation land-grant university.”

Along with the biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, the initiative features three additional facilities designed to tackle critical public health issues:

• Biosecurity Research Institute Biologics Development Module—Focusing on zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, this facility develops diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics to safeguard food security and public health.

• College of Veterinary Medicine Biologics Development Module—Specializing in large-scale biologics production, this facility targets vaccine efficacy through advanced protein purification techniques to produce key biologics efficiently.

• Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center—Currently under construction in Seaton Hall, this center will provide students with hands-on biomanufacturing experience with the goal of creating a highly skilled talent pipeline that supports the state’s growing biomanufacturing industry.