The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has introduced a first-of-its-kind funding opportunity for the establishment of technological innovation centers in previously overlooked regions.
The agency on Friday launched a notice of funding opportunity for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs competition, which is applicable to projects designated as a tech hub.
The Tech Hubs statute enumerates 10 key focus areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, data storage, robotics, semiconductors, disaster prevention, biotechnology, advanced communications, nuclear technologies and materials sciences.
Applicants will be chosen based on the potential of their focus area to be cultivated in their specified region, and for the hub to become globally competitive within 10 years.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said that the Tech Hubs program will help “create ecosystems of innovation to strengthen economic opportunity” in communities that have been left behind in technological advancement. “We’re going to do that by supercharging our existing innovation foundations, bringing together our premier research institutions with world class companies to create good-paying jobs in these communities, and ensuring the technological advances that define the next century are made in communities across America,” she explained.
