The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is planning to launch a competition for a new Manufacturing USA institute focused on artificial intelligence, offering up about $70 million in Federal funds for the new institute over five years.
The Manufacturing USA network has 17 manufacturing institutes so far, each with a specific technology focus. All institutes work toward a common goal to secure the future of U.S. manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration.
“AI is an accelerator of our productivity and of human abilities — it can make us better, faster, and stronger in so many ways. I’m particularly excited about the potential for AI to supercharge manufacturing and the ways it can strengthen American workers and businesses and make our country more competitive in the global economy,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a March 12 press release.
“This new Manufacturing USA AI-focused institute will build on the Biden-Harris administration’s extensive work to revitalize American manufacturing, invest in innovation, and ensure American workers are ready to meet the challenges of the future,” Raimondo added.
In addition to the $70 million in Federal funding, NIST said it expects “an equal or greater contribution” from private and other non-Federal funding sources for the AI-focused institute.
The agency published a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register on Tuesday to allow potential applicants “sufficient time” to develop collaborations with industry, academia, Federal laboratories, and state and local government agencies.
NIST plans to use a two-stage process for soliciting applications for the new AI institute. It will consider concept papers in the first stage of the competition, and it will then invite applicants with the best concepts to submit full proposals in the second stage.
NIST expects to officially announce the competition in early spring with a formal announcement on Grants.gov, the NIST Office of Advanced Manufacturing website, and the Manufacturing USA website.
“Manufacturers that make smart use of AI to improve operational performance and strengthen supply chains will be more productive and resilient as they compete in an increasingly crowded global marketplace,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie Locascio. “We look forward to reviewing applications for a new Manufacturing USA institute that will strengthen the national economy by helping domestic manufacturers maximize the potential of AI.”
