The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)-led NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine in the Kansas City region to receive up to $160 million in funding. This is considered one of the nation’s most significant investments in rebuilding America’s domestic critical materials ecosystem.
“Critical Materials Crossroads represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen America’s economic and national security while positioning the Kansas City region as a global leader in critical materials research and innovation,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “This initiative reflects what is possible when a region unites around a bold vision with national impact.”
Initiated by the University of Missouri System in 2022, Critical Materials Crossroads is driven by a coalition of more than 260 partners in Missouri and Kansas. It will develop the regional ecosystem necessary for increasing production of the metals and advanced materials. The starting materials include concentrated ore and spent materials, recovered domestically and internationally. This effort, led by UMKC, will establish the region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development…