The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced a new funding round of approximately $504 million in implementation grants to 12 Tech Hubs. This initiative aims to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
The Tech Hubs Program is a flagship initiative of President Biden’s Administration designed to invest in and grow economies across the country. Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Every American deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they live. Today’s announcement that the Department of Commerce is investing $504 million in Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs across the country will ensure that the benefits of the industries of the future... are shared with communities that have been overlooked for far too long.”
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo added, “Through the Tech Hubs program, we are maintaining our competitive edge by advancing America’s leadership in commercializing critical emerging tech sectors.” She emphasized that these 12 Tech Hubs will play a crucial role in accelerating America's leadership while creating high-quality jobs.
President Biden previously announced 31 Tech Hub Designees in October 2023. The EDA has now selected projects for funding in each of the 12 hubs listed below:
- Elevate Quantum Tech Hub (Colorado, New Mexico): Focus on quantum information technology with an estimated award amount of $41 million.
- Headwaters Hub (Montana): Focus on smart photonic sensor systems with an estimated award amount of $41 million.
- Heartland BioWorks (Indiana): Focus on biomanufacturing with an estimated award amount of $51 million.
- iFAB Tech Hub (Illinois): Focus on precision fermentation and biomanufacturing with an estimated award amount of $51 million.
- Nevada Tech Hub (Nevada): Focus on lithium batteries and electric vehicle materials with an estimated award amount of $21 million.
- NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub (New York): Focus on semiconductor manufacturing with an estimated award amount of $40 million.
- ReGen Valley Tech Hub (New Hampshire): Focus on biofabrication with an estimated award amount of $44 million.
- SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (South Carolina, Georgia): Focus on clean energy supply chain with an estimated award amount of $45 million.
- South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub (Florida): Focus on sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure with an estimated award amount of $19 million.
- Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub (Ohio): Focus on sustainable polymers with an estimated award amount of $51 million.
- Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (Oklahoma): Focus on secure autonomous systems with an estimated award amount of $51 million.
- Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub(Wisconsin): Focus on personalized medicine with an estimated award amount of $49 million.
Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves remarked, “The Department of Commerce is laser-focused on expanding economic opportunity to every corner of this country,” highlighting that these hubs embody innovation nationwide.
Phase 1 identified 31 geographically diverse regions as potential tech hubs, attracting over a thousand commitments worth more than $4 billion. Phase 2 involves developing projects to propel these regions into globally recognized leaders in future technologies.
The program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, which allocated $10 billion over five years. To date, EDA has received appropriations totaling $541 million for this initiative.
Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo noted, “The Tech Hubs Designees exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best,” expressing excitement about this initial round's potential impact.
For further details about the program: [TechHubs.gov](http://www.TechHubs.gov).
