Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Advance the Region as a Global Leader in Biotechnology

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that PRBio Tech Hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The PRBio Tech Hub, a consortium led by the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, will advance the region as a global leader in biotechnology through fast-tracking the discovery, development, manufacturing, and supply of next generation biotechnology and medical device products to detect, treat, and cure diseases and ailments.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

 In addition to a Tech Hubs Designation, EDA announced today that PRBio Tech Hub was also awarded a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant that will help the consortium increase local coordination and planning activities to strengthen its region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“This Tech Hub Strategic Development grant is a great complement to our strategy of strengthening our position as a global leader in the development of emerging technologies tied to the biosciences industry. This award will strengthen our technology and innovation ecosystem and will accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology solutions. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued support and confidence in our work,” said Governor Pedro Pierluisi.

“I am proud that Puerto Rico is contributing to advancing the U.S. technology industry, which is critical to our country’s leading role in key sectors, including national security, manufacturing, and healthcare. I commend PRBio Tech for their work on the Island and for being 1 of the 31 entities nationwide selected to participate in the Tech Hubs program. This is a testament to Puerto Rico’s capabilities in the biotechnology and manufacturing sector. I will continue supporting initiatives to ensure these industries grow on our Island as they are vital to Puerto Rico and the rest of the nation's economic development and competitiveness worldwide,” said Representative Jenniffer González-Colón.

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.