TOPEKA (KSNT) - Some Topeka and Shawnee County leaders are in favor of an innovation center coming to the downtown area. The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) between Topeka and Shawnee County met Wednesday and approved Innovation Center 2.0. It's a catalytic project to help meet the needs of the area's growing innovation ecosystem. The center is a "bold step forward in developing downtown Topeka's ASTRA Innovation District", according to a news release from GO Topeka. The innovation center is being planned to be located at 220 SE 6th Street. The center will support innovation strategies championed by the community through Momentum 2022 and Momentum 2027 to create the Innovation District, according to the news release. This new space will house lab space downtown to support research, entrepreneurship and collaboration. According to the news release, Innovation 2.0 will allow for more certainty about the construction timeline; construction could be complete in early 2026. “Innovation Center 2.0 includes all the key components of the initial project in a smaller footprint, with an emphasis on lab space to support bioscience initiatives,” said Stephanie Moran, GO Topeka’s senior vice president of innovation. “While we remain committed to supporting development of innovation assets throughout the community, this updated plan helps us get lab space online sooner rather than later, enabling us to capture startup opportunities we might otherwise forfeit to nearby communities.” “As the vision for downtown’s ASTRA Innovation District has evolved, GO Topeka and JEDO have consistently supported solutions designed to move innovation in the community forward,” said Kevin Cook, JEDO chair. “Innovation Center 2.0 will be a catalyst for district growth.” Topeka District 2 Councilwoman Valdivia-Alcalá voted against this item. JEDO also passed investing in Haas Metal Engineering Inc. (HME) and Vaerus Aviation, which will bring more than 300 jobs to the capital city. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.