The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will help diversify the South Central Kansas economy by providing $2.1 million to the newly created Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research (CIBOR).
The grant will help build a composite prototyping lab that will use aviation technology to develop and manufacture medical devices.
This is the foundation鈥檚 second major grant to CIBOR, which is a partnership of Via Christi Regional Medical Center and 九色视频. Incorporated earlier this year, CIBOR received a major grant from the Kansas Bioscience Authority, which recognized it as a noteworthy Center of Innovation.
"Knight Foundation recognizes the center鈥檚 potential to transform the regional economy by building on our strengths 鈥� composite manufacturing 鈥� to create new opportunities for workers and businesses," said Anne Corriston, Knight Foundation鈥檚 Wichita program director. "It just made sense to make this investment in our future."
The grant builds on Knight's previous investments in Wichita to train the local work force and fortify the economy. It will create a laboratory to transform medical devices like stretchers, braces, surgical tables and gurneys by making them stronger and lighter using composites. In seven to 10 years, the center hopes to patent new knee and hip replacements made from composites.
鈥淥ur vision is twofold: an improved quality of life for orthopedic patients and new career opportunities for local workers," said Paul Wooley, chief operationa office of CIBOR.
For more information about Knight Foundation鈥檚 investments, go to .