Wichita State University is waiting to hear whether it will receive a $27.1 million grant that researchers say could create a new industry.
The Kansas Bioscience Authority is expected to decide about the funds on Tuesday.
The money would be used by Wichita State's National Institute for Aviation Research and Via Christi Research to invent medical devices from the same lightweight, flexible material used in airplanes.
The devices could include hip replacements, battlefield splints and hospital gurneys made from composite materials already tested and developed by the Wichita State aviation institute.
Wichita is home to several aircraft manufacturing plants and has workers with experience developing and making composite materials.
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