What Is the Manufacture Missouri Ecosystem?

The MME is a network of small, medium, and large manufacturers across Missouri that connects companies with university expertise to strengthen their global competitiveness. Through the MME, Missouri S&T and its partner universities and industries deliver research knowledge, tools, training, and technology to any partner manufacturer, anywhere in the state.

The MME enables manufacturers to remain competitive by accelerating adoption of advanced manufacturing technology, automating on-demand distributed manufacturing, and reducing barriers for new business entry.

Ecosystem Structure

A Three-Tier Statewide Structure

The ecosystem is organized in three tiers:

  • Tier 1 — Manufacture Missouri Ecosystem (MME): The broadest layer — a statewide coalition of manufacturers, trade associations, universities, community colleges, and economic development agencies working in coordination to elevate Missouri manufacturing.
  • Tier 2 — The Innovation Campus: Missouri S&T's manufacturing technology and innovation campus in Rolla — a physical hub where industry, academia, and government converge for R&D, prototyping, workforce development, and company co-location.
  • Tier 3 — The Missouri Protoplex: The anchor facility of the Innovation Campus — 117,000 square feet of shared advanced manufacturing space, research centers, and workforce programs, opening in 2026.
A map of manufacturers with the densest areas in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield with a less dense spread of small dots all around missouri.
A map showing the concentration of manufacturers in Missouri. The most densely populated areas are in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, but there are manufacturers spread across Missouri. Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Research & Development

Addressing Missouri's Manufacturing Needs

Hundreds of small and medium-sized companies are spread throughout Missouri's small towns and urban centers. Many are key suppliers to larger companies but often lack access to the highly skilled workforce they need to stay competitive — and lack the staffing or expertise to conduct the R&D required to stay ahead.

The MME connects these companies to the knowledge base available through Missouri S&T, our partners in education and industry, and every member of the ecosystem.

Join the Missouri Manufacturing Ecosystem

Missouri Protoplex invites manufacturers, partners, and leaders across the state to plug into this initiative. Contact us to learn how your organization can get involved.

Work With Us

Our Current Partners

Community Colleges

     

 

Launch Partners

     

 

SME's

      

 

Manufacturing Trade Associations