Biosciences
Industry Insight
Kansas City is a fast-growing bioscience hub powered by leading research institutions, advanced biomanufacturing capabilities and one of the world’s strongest animal health clusters.
With nationally recognized medical schools, abundant CROs and expanding strength in biologics, cell and gene therapy, KC offers the ideal environment for life science enterprises.
By the Numbers
Why Kansas City
KC BioHub is a designated U.S. Tech Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA)
A growing cluster of cell and gene therapy companies
Established region for biological manufacturing
Research dollars go further to bring new and innovative therapeutics to market
Collaborative ecosystem and strategic partnerships
World-class bioengineering hub designing and delivering advanced, sustainable facilities
Research Assets
University of Missouri | School of Medicine
The first publicly supported medical school west of the Mississippi River
KU Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, ranked in the top 1% nationwide
KU School of Pharmacy
Ranked among the top schools in the nation by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
University of Missouri-Kansas City | Dental and Medical Schools
Nationally recognized programs growing the KC region’s healthcare workforce
Children’s Mercy Research Institute
Global leader advancing pediatric precision medicine and genomic research
Key Logistics
International Market
Leading global hub with growing imports and exports, supported by freight forwarders and customs brokers specialized in all aspects of international shipping
Distribution Hub
Two-day or less ground shipping to 90% of the U.S. population — an ideal base for national distribution.
Rail Connectivity
The largest rail center in the U.S. by tonnage, with four Class 1 rail lines, providing direct, efficient freight access across North America.
Flight Access
Nonstop flights under three hours to most major U.S. cities enable faster business travel and cargo movement.
Cold Storage
A reliable network of GMP-compliant CDMOs and FDA-certified storage facilities to handle temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologics.
Freight Infrastructure
Four intermodal parks provide multimodal freight movement and scalable solutions for complex logistics needs.
Recent Success
Merck Animal Health Expands Operations with $895 Million Investment in De Soto, Kansas
One of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health, the 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.
Additional Resources
BioNexus KC
A catalyst for the life sciences industry, focusing on advancing human and animal health through innovation and collaboration
Digital Health KC
A community initiative that seeks to build organizations and companies to solve healthcare’s biggest challenges.
Make the Right Connection
To learn more about Kansas City’s bioscience industry, connect with our team.
Jill McCarthy
Senior Vice President
Corporate Attraction
Site Selection
Data & Resources
KCADC Newsroom
KCADC Events
About KCADC
© 2025 KCADC. All rights reserved.