Article Summary –
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced the allocation of approximately $504 million in grants to 12 designated Tech Hubs aimed at boosting critical technology production, economic competitiveness, and national security across various U.S. regions. This initiative, part of President Biden’s broader strategy of “Investing in America,” seeks to foster leadership in emerging tech sectors like AI, clean energy, and biotechnology while creating high-quality jobs. These Tech Hubs were selected from 31 initial designees based on their potential to drive significant public policy and institutional changes, and the EDA plans to continue expanding this program if additional federal funding becomes available.
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced approximately $504 million in implementation grants for 12 designated Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs). These grants aim to expand the production and delivery of critical technologies, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of future industries across the country.
The Tech Hubs program is a flagship initiative of President Biden’s administration to invest in and grow the economies of communities nationwide. It promotes U.S. global leadership in critical technologies and strengthens national and economic security. According to Vice President Kamala Harris, this investment ensures that the benefits of future industries are shared with long-overlooked communities, including rural, tribal, industrial, and disadvantaged areas. The program is intended to create well-paid jobs and provide regions with the resources needed to lead the future economy.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo highlighted that the Tech Hubs program maintains the U.S.’s competitive edge by promoting leadership in emerging technological sectors. The initiative leverages diverse talents and resources across the country, thanks to President Biden’s commitment to his Investing in America agenda. The selected Tech Hubs will play a crucial role in accelerating U.S. leadership in future industries while providing high-quality jobs that support families in their respective communities.
President Biden announced the selection of 31 designated Tech Hubs in October 2023. The EDA has chosen projects to fund in each of the 12 Tech Hubs, with grant amounts to be finalized in the coming months. The Tech Hubs selected for implementation include:
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- Elevate Quantum Tech Hub (Colorado, New Mexico) — Quantum information technology, $41 million
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- Headwaters Hub (Montana) — Intelligent photonic sensor systems, $41 million
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- Heartland BioWorks (Indiana) — Biomanufacturing, $51 million
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- iFAB Tech Hub (Illinois) — Precision fermentation and biofabrication, $51 million
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- Nevada Tech Hub (Nevada) — Lithium batteries and EV materials, $21 million
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- NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub (New York) — Semiconductor manufacturing, $40 million
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- ReGen Valley Tech Hub (New Hampshire) — Biofabrication, $44 million
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- SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (South Carolina, Georgia) — Clean energy supply chain, $45 million
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- South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub (Florida) — Sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, $19 million
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- Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub (Ohio) — Sustainable polymers, $51 million
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- Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (Oklahoma) — Safe autonomous systems, $51 million
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- Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub (Wisconsin) — Personalized medicine, $49 million
According to the Department of Commerce, the Tech Hubs program is a commitment to the economic prosperity and success of the United States. It aims to drive U.S. manufacturing and enhance global competitiveness by leveraging regional innovation and creativity. The program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, part of Biden’s Investing in America agenda, and has secured $541 million in funding to date.
A total of 31 Tech Hubs were identified in Phase 1, attracting over $4 billion in investment commitments and catalyzing significant policy changes. Membership within the consortia has increased by 50 percent, with over a third being industry partners, illustrating strong community support. If further federal funding is available, the EDA plans to invest in additional Tech Hubs to sustain this innovative program’s momentum.
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