The Kauffman Foundation says it has pledged $5 million to a product development center.

The pledge will support the Free Enterprise Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, which will be for entrepreneurs, businesses and students who are trying to develop new products. It also will work to help business startups, and will be used by other university programs.

The $14.8 million center will work with Kansas City area partners, including MRIGlobal and Metropolitan Community College.

The Missouri-Kansas City plans to seek matching state funds for construction of the building.