Wichita State University, University of Kansas Medical Center, and WSU Tech break ground on new Wichita Biomedical Campus

During the groundbreaking of the new Wichita Biomedical Campus (WBC) on May 8, a common theme emerged from the remarks of leadership and project stakeholders: this project is the culmination of vision, innovation, and collaboration.

Located in the heart of Wichita’s City Center, the WBC represents a strategic partnership between Wichita State University (WSU), the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), and WSU Tech. As the single largest capital investment in the history of downtown Wichita, the transformative biomedical campus will explore new boundaries in interdisciplinary medical education and invigorate future development in the area.

“This project owes its success to the unwavering support from our community and state leaders, as well as our collaborating institutions,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “This collaboration truly showcases the transformative power of partnerships and reflects our collective belief in the future prosperity of the city of Wichita.”

The design of the project is also a testament to the power of collaboration. Helix Architecture + Design and CO Architects have partnered once again to make the WBC a reality. The program includes simulation labs, classrooms, spaces for private and group study, a pharmacy, clinics, and workplace for faculty. To leverage the amount of available space on the urban site, some program elements are shared between all institutions.

Among the crowd of 300+ at the ground-breaking were Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty and Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. 

Anticipated to be complete in the spring of 2027, the first phase of the WBC will be home to approximately 3,000 students and 200 faculty and staff. It is expected to create 1,600 jobs and spur additional development to create a vibrant biomedical corridor. 

To learn more about Phase 1 of the WBC, visit WSU’s website.