K-State Olathe Secures a $5 Million Federal Investment for its Advanced Manufacturing Hub
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | Written by Mary Hirtreiter
OLATHE — Kansas State University Olathe is receiving more than $5 million in federal investment to support the purchase of equipment for the campus' Advanced Manufacturing Hub.
The funding was approved by Congress, as part of a three-bill federal appropriations package, and signed into law by the president Jan. 23. The investment was championed by U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, whose leadership and advocacy were instrumental in bringing these resources to K-State Olathe.
"This investment represents a major milestone for K-State Olathe," said Ben Wolfe, dean and CEO of K-State Olathe. "It will strengthen our ability to support workforce development through both credit and noncredit programming, deliver tangible research solutions to address industry challenges and expand engagement with industry partners in high-growth sectors."
The federal funding builds on recent momentum at K-State Olathe's Advanced Manufacturing Hub. In January, the campus celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Bulk Solids Technology Center, the only university-centered facility of its kind in North America and the first section of the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. The state-of-the-art center houses specialized equipment for powder handling, storage, conveying and air filtration.
Supporting workforce development
K-State Olathe addresses industry's workforce needs through multiple educational pathways. The campus currently offers noncredit training and professional development courses that combine classroom learning with hands-on practice for immediate workplace application.
Beginning in Fall 2026, the campus will launch new academic offerings related to engineering technology. Transfer and non-traditional students will be able to choose from two certificates in Applied Electronics and Industrial Automation to enhance their knowledge and skills related to manufacturing. As part of the programs, learners will leverage the Advanced Manufacturing Hub labs to gain hands-on experience.
To complete a bachelor’s degree, they can combine transfer credits with one of the new engineering technology certificates along with leadership coursework to complete the B.S. in Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Additional details regarding equipment acquisition and implementation will be shared as plans move forward. The initiative supports Kansas State University's Next-Gen strategic plan.