U.S. Department of Commerce Awards Approximately $44 Million Tech Hubs Grant to Strengthen the Artificial Intelligence-Driven Biotechnology Industry in Alabama 

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub, led by Southern Research Institute, for an approximately $44 million Tech Hubs grant to implement five projects that aim to position Alabama as a global leader in drug, vaccine, and diagnostics development by applying artificial intelligence (AI)-driven biotechnology to increasing diverse representation in clinical genomic data and clinical trials.

The Birmingham Biotechnology Hub is among six Tech Hubs to receive awards from additional funding for the Tech Hubs Program through the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  

The grant will support implementation of projects that include:  

  • creating a first-of-its-kind genomic biobank that enables accessible precision medicine to improve public health outcomes, accelerate drug development, foster substantial clinical trial investment, and anchor the national bioeconomy by leveraging trusted relationships to connect patient genomes, other forms of personalized medical data, and clinical data to drive clinical trial representation in Black and rural communities;  

  • establishing a backbone organization to anchor and develop Alabama’s first Innovation District, ensuring mission alignment between diverse stakeholders and evaluating progress, implementing nimble and responsive risk management protocols to safeguard intellectual property and patient health information, and continuing to raise additional partnerships and capital for the Hub;  

  • connecting industry, scientific experts, and regulators to advance the maturation and validation of Therapeutics Acceleration Platforms (TAPs) which will accelerate the development of new precision medicines, drug repurposing, technologies for predictive safety testing, and enhance U.S. global competitiveness in the biotechnology industry;  

  • designing, testing, and refining a series of sub-baccalaureate workforce training programs that will place target populations in quality biotechnology jobs over the next five years based on clear, employer-driven workforce training priorities for biotech jobs in the region; and  

  • forming a multi-HBCU workforce training collaboration to rapidly expand access to a large suite of micro-credentials coupled with in-person, work-based learning opportunities within the biotech sector.  

“To out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world, we need to ensure we’re investing in the industries of the future that will drive American innovation, manufacturing, and workforce to succeed in a 21st century economy – that's how America maintains its competitive edge,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Tech Hubs Program and this latest allocation of funds are the result of bipartisan cooperation in Congress – I hope that good-faith work will endure so we can continue to invest in these centers of excellence across the nation, which in return, are providing good-paying jobs in industries of the future and helping to strengthen U.S. economic and national security.”

“We are so pleased that bipartisan support in Congress for the Tech Hubs Program will allow us to make even more impactful investments in the future of America’s economy,” said Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This implementation funding will empower the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub to spur job growth, attract private investment, and fortify its regional economy as a global leader in equitable AI-driven biotechnology.” 

 “This award is a big victory for the City of Birmingham and the entire State of Alabama! Not only will it ensure that Birmingham remains a leader in the biotechnology sector, but it will also help us make strides toward greater representation for African Americans and other minority communities in clinical trials” said Representative Terri Sewell (AL-7). “Hats off to Southern Research, UAB, and the City of Birmingham for the many years of hard work and collaboration that made this grant possible. I am proud to have played a role in creating this important federal program and I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to invest in the Magic City!” 
 
The Birmingham Biotechnology Hub is among 31 Tech Hubs designated in October 2023 by President Biden to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of industries of the future in regions across the United States.   

Last year, the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub received a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award to continue implementing their strategies, including the pursuit of additional capital.  

Learn more about the Tech Hubs Program at 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.    

Topics

  • Tech Hubs