Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Miami, Florida to Advance Technological Innovation and Address the Global Climate Crisis

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 South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub in Miami, Florida, 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 South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub, a consortium led by Miami-Dade County, will advance Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure innovation by developing, commercializing, and scaling technologies focused on climate adaptation and mitigation.

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.”

“South Florida remains ground zero for the climate crisis, with the impact felt directly by communities and ecosystems throughout the entire region,” said Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). “By harnessing local innovation and research, the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub will develop cutting-edge technology solutions that meet this urgent moment and forge a more sustainable, resilient path forward. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for this crucial designation, which will unlock valuable funding for the region.”

“As the world makes technological advancements, it’s essential Miami-Dade County remains aligned with the ever-evolving world, proactively readying our workforce and infrastructure for the future. Given that Miami-Dade County is at the forefront of the climate crisis, I am grateful the Biden-Harris Administration has designated the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub within. This hub will help create jobs and jumpstart innovation in our county, specifically focusing on mitigating the devastating effects of climate change. In embracing the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub, our county takes a significant step towards addressing the urgent challenges of climate change,” said Representative Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

“Miami is ground zero for sea-level rise, and we continue to lead the charge in developing resilient infrastructure,” said Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). “We attract world-class talent and researchers—the establishment of a Tech Hub in Miami ensures we continue leading in innovation and technological advancement, while creating new jobs, growing our economy, and promoting national security.”

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.