Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Midlands and Upstate South Carolina, and Augusta–Richmond County, Georgia to Drive Innovation in Advanced Energy

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy in Midlands and Upstate South Carolina, and Augusta-Richmond County Georgia, 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 SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy, a consortium led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, will leverage the region’s dynamic and growing manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and demonstrated record of public-private collaboration to innovate and commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques, including a demonstrative microgrid implementation that integrates renewable energy and storage into the state’s electricity systems. This tech hub will also tap the expertise and resources of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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.

“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.”

“Receiving the federal Tech Hubs designation signals to the world that South Carolina has the necessary assets and infrastructure to create a real impact in the advanced energy resiliency sector,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “Collaboration has long been a key component to our success, and we’re confident SC Nexus’ concerted  efforts will align our state as a leader in advanced energy technology development, contributing to our national security by bolstering energy independence.”

“Energy independence is a national priority and South Carolina is set to play an important role in making this happen. South Carolina’s Tech Hub designation is testament to the state's higher education institutions, manufacturing industry, and public-private partnerships, all of which are essential to the development of our nation’s energy technologies, smart grids, and energy storage. I am thankful for the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, my colleagues in the congressional delegation, and the Administration for this opportunity,” said South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.

“Georgia remains on track to become the nation’s advanced energy capital, powered by Federal infrastructure and manufacturing legislation,” said Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff. “Today’s announcement is a testament to Augusta and Georgia’s research, logistics, workforce, and entrepreneurial assets. I congratulate Mayor Johnson and everyone in Augusta-Richmond County, and I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Raimondo for their continued collaboration as we lead Georgia forward.”

“I am grateful that the U.S. Department of Commerce recognized SC Nexus as a designee for one of the 31 Regional Tech Hubs. This further acknowledges the contributions of South Carolina as an innovative energy resource,” said Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02).

“I’m excited South Carolina’s expertise on nuclear and other energy technology is being rewarded with the classification of SC Nexus as a Tech Hub by the Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program,” said Representative Jeff Duncan (SC-03). “I’m honored to have helped facilitate continued energy technology development in South Carolina to increase the resiliency and reliability of America’s energy grid while also delivering jobs for South Carolinians.”

“SC Nexus’ designation as a Tech Hub by the Economic Development Administration is a huge win for our state. This designation will allow South Carolina to continue to lead the way in innovation and emerging technologies while creating jobs in the Greenville and Spartanburg areas and beyond. I was proud to support SC Nexus’ application and look forward to our state’s continued success,” said Representative William Timmons (SC-04).

“I’m pleased South Carolina has been selected for designation as a Regional Tech Hub by the Department of Commerce and EDA. This transformative opportunity, made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, will solidify South Carolina’s position as a leader in technological innovation and help guide us towards a clean energy future,” said Representative James E. Clyburn (SC-06).

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.