We are an integrated community program.

Knowledge Based Economic Development (KBED) is a unique partnership of civic, academic and private sector entities working together to support new and growing companies in Manhattan, Kansas. This integrated community economic development program seeks to attract companies by leveraging the talent, innovation and training capabilities and infrastructure available at Kansas State University.

Our efforts help…

  • Increase High-Paying Jobs

  • Generate New Discoveries

  • Boost Infrastructure

What we do.

Founded in 2008, KBED now plays an instrumental role in defining the economic development strategy for the Manhattan region. Those strategies include the facilitation of robust private sector/university collaborations, attraction and creation of knowledge based businesses, as well as the development of infrastructure necessary to accommodate a knowledge based economy.

How we’re different.

Unlike other economic development initiatives, KBED is organized as an LLC and the organization focuses exclusively on attracting companies that match Kansas State University and the region’s aggregate strengths. This formalized partnership allows the town-gown relationship to thrive and creates an added dimension of ownership and responsibility that enables the strategic vision to be executed successfully.

Board of Directors

Staff