Senator Schmitt Helps Secure $160M NSF Award for University of Missouri-Kansas City to Spur Innovation, Research

Award Establishes UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) celebrated the announcement of a $160 million award from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) for the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led (UMKC) Critical Materials Crossroads Engine. The award positions the Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine that will be a national leader in critical materials research and advanced manufacturing. For the Kansas City region, it is projected to support 10,000 jobs and generate $40 billion in economic output. NSF Engines partner with private-sector leaders to accelerate technological development and provide scientific and technological workforce expertise. Senator Schmitt championed the University of Missouri System’s effort to secure this award. “Missouri is doing its part to secure American dominance on the world stage. Kansas City’s NSF Engine will be an important driver in enhancing U.S. competitiveness and strengthening the domestic critical mineral supply chain. I am proud to support a transformational NSF investment that accelerates innovation, creates high-paying jobs, and establishes the Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials and advanced manufacturing,” said Senator Schmitt. The Kansas City region is among 12 teams across 20 states receiving NSF Engine Awards. Each team brings together regional organizations, higher education institutions, and private industry to drive and develop critical, cutting-edge technologies. Across the country, NSF Engines have attracted billions in state, local, and private sector investments to promote American competitiveness in key industries including chipmaking, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. ###