The Department of Commerce’s (DoC) Economic Development Administration (EDA) made public today the details of the 31 technology hubs’ proposals for the second phase of the new Tech Hubs program – revealing a collective request of $2 billion in funding for a total of 182 projects.
The Tech Hubs program – authorized as part of the CHIPS and Science Act – aims to develop clusters of businesses, communities, higher education institutions, and workers focused on accelerating innovation and technology deployment across America.
EDA announced the 31 Tech Hubs in October 2023 as part of Phase 1 of the program. The agency plans to announce the Phase 2 winners this summer, awarding between $40 million and $70 million to just five to 10 Tech Hubs – implementing three to eight projects per hub.
“Today, EDA updated its website to include broad details about each of the 31 designees’ proposals,” EDA said in a blog post today. “While each hub’s programs reflect their respective technology and industry focus, they are unified by the goals of the Tech Hubs program: making and delivering innovative products and services; developing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow; and strengthening America’s economic competitiveness and national security.”
The proposed $2 billion of awards would fund 182 proposed projects, which EDA said: “align with their selected industrial focus and comprise cross-sector regional coalitions focused on developing industries that make, deliver and use semiconductors, quantum computing, autonomous systems, biotechnology, clean energy, critical minerals, innovative materials, and advanced manufacturing – technologies that are critical to maintain and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and national security.”
In total, EDA said the Tech Hubs applicants reported at least $435 million in matching funds for their projects from partners such as industry and state and local governments. EDA said it anticipates even more private sector interest in Tech Hubs during this second phase, as it continues conversations with hubs and private sector engagements.
EDA updated its website today to provide an overview of each of the proposed Tech Hubs projects. The agency said an initial analysis of the submitted applications shows “tremendous collaboration” across the hubs, with over 1,400 total organizations part of the Tech Hubs consortia, 17 Tech Hubs with strong participation from labor organizations, and more than 500 industry groups and firms participating across the 31 Tech Hubs.
Additionally, 11 Tech Hubs are partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), representing 18 total HBCUs/PBIs; 11 Tech Hubs are partnering with Hispanic-Serving Institutions; and nine Tech Hubs are partnering with Tribal governments.
“EDA is committed to supporting all designated Tech Hubs in successfully realizing their vision,” the blog post says. “Other Federal partners are also contributing to the hubs’ success, resulting in resources accessible to all 31 hubs. EDA is actively recruiting additional partners to expand Benefits of Designation (PDF) for Tech Hubs beyond the Phase 2 summer announcement.”
The CHIPS and Science Act authorized $10 billion for the Tech Hubs. In December 2022, President Biden signed the fiscal year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act into law, providing $500 million for the program.
Some of the 31 designees include the Baltimore Tech Hub – led by the Greater Baltimore Committee – which aims to develop innovative predictive healthcare technologies by applying AI to biotechnologies, and the Bloch Tech Hub – led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange – which seeks to lead quantum computing solutions.
Check out the EDA website for a complete list of the Tech Hubs designees and their Phase 2 proposals.
