Tech Hubs Submit Blueprints for Strengthening Critical Industries of the Future
In late February 2024, the 31 Tech Hub Designees submitted their Phase 2 applications, sharing bold visions for transforming their regions into globally competitive critical technology hubs.
Today, EDA updated its website to include broad details about each of the 31 Designees’ proposals. 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. Click here to read an overview of each of the Tech Hubs proposed projects.
Collectively, the Designees requested $2 billion in funding for a total of 182 projects, including workforce development programs, entrepreneur support, technology commercialization and capital investments. In total, Tech Hubs applicants reported at least $435 million in matching funds for their projects from industry; state and local governments; and other partners. EDA anticipates even more private sector interest in investing in Tech Hubs and their surrounding regions and economies, as supported by ongoing conversations with Hubs and initial private sector engagements.
Initial analysis from the submitted applications shows tremendous collaboration across all the Tech Hubs with:
- 1,400+ total organizations (PDF) part of Tech Hubs consortia;
- 17 Tech Hubs with strong participation from labor organizations;
- 500+ industry groups and firms participating across the 31 Tech Hubs;
- 11 Tech Hubs partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)/Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) (representing 18 total HBCUs/PBIs);
- 11 Tech Hubs partnering with Hispanic-Serving Institutions; and
- 9 Tech Hubs partnering with Tribal governments.
EDA will announce Phase 2 award winners this summer. EDA plans to award between $40 million and $70 million to each of five to 10 Tech Hubs, implementing three to eight projects per Hub. EDA’s investments will leverage policy and financial commitments from project stakeholders and seek to propel these regions to become globally competitive Tech Hubs over the next decade.
The Tech Hubs’ proposed projects 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. Click here to explore the “8 Innovation Themes” that encompass the 31 Tech Hubs.
The excitement over the Tech Hubs program was reflected in the large number of applications to this Department of Commerce initiative.
In October 2023, the 31 Designees were selected from a competitive pool of 197 applicants that were identified for their potential to become globally competitive in the technologies and industries of the future. Only consortia designated as Tech Hubs were eligible to compete for Phase 2 implementation funding that totals $500 million.
EDA is committed to supporting all Designated Tech Hubs in successfully realizing their vision. 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 new Tech Hubs Program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which he signed into law in August 2022. The Act authorized $10 billion for the Tech Hubs program over five years. To date, Congress has appropriated $541 million, which enabled the 2023 launch of the program, but which does not yet allow EDA to realize this program’s vision of investing up to $1 billion in each of ten or more diverse regions to accelerate their growth into global technology leaders. EDA anticipates conducting additional Tech Hubs competitions to designate more Hubs and to award more strategy development and implementation grants, contingent on future appropriations.
Read more about the Tech Hubs Program at TechHubs.gov.