Faced with dwindling state funding, the Kansas Bioscience Authority is laying off several staff members and scaling back operations.

The KBA invests public money in the biotech industry to foster startups and attract investment in Kansas.

But state funding for the agency has been cut significantly since 2012. Statute allows for the KBA to receive up to $35 million each year. But from 2012 through 2015 it received less than $29 million.

Duane Cantrell, the KBA’s president and CEO, said KBA is laying off seven of its 13 full-time staff members and no longer has a full-time scientist on staff. It also will hold off on making new investments for now.

The governor’s office says the KBA has to manage within its budget.

It’s not immediately clear how the downsizing will affect Kansas University, which has worked with KBA since its creation and has “benefitted greatly” from KBA investments, university spokesman Joe Monaco said. “KU has a strong economic development mission and will continue that mission despite the state’s budget challenges.”

KBA has supported KU’s Bioscience and Technology Business Center, faculty recruitment, research facilities, startup companies and KU Hospital’s successful drive to earn National Cancer Institute Designation, Monaco said.

KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little also serves on the KBA’s Research and Development Advisory Council, along with the Kansas State, Wichita State and Pittsburg State university presidents.