EDA's Impact - News from the Economic Development Administration

U.S. Economic Development Administration sent this bulletin at 11/02/2023 11:24 AM EDT

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November 2023

FEATURED

President Biden Announces Designation of 31 Tech Hubs to Drive Regional Innovation and Job Creation

On October 23, 2023, President Biden and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced the designation of 31 Tech Hubs in regions across the country. This is the first phase of the new Tech Hubs program, which is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional innovation and job creation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technology.

WATCH: President Biden announces designation of 31 Tech Hubs

The Tech Hubs are located across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross-section of urban and rural regions. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s plans to supercharge their respective technological industries to create jobs, strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and protect national security. [Read the Press Release]

More About Tech Hubs

CASTILLO'S COLUMN

With the designation of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs, EDA sent a strong signal about a region’s ability to position itself as a global competitor in a critical technological area, such as semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, biotechnology, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and more.

These Tech Hubs will not only partner with EDA to achieve success, but also benefit from an unprecedented whole-of-government approach to supporting the tech economy and national security that includes support, guidance, and additional funding opportunities from a vast array of federal agencies.

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Assistant Secretary of Commerce
for Economic Development

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

Recompete Program Receives 565 Applications

EDA is reviewing the 565 applications for Phase 1 of the Recompete Pilot Program, marking the largest number of applications of any national EDA competition to date. EDA received applications from all parts of the country, representing 49 states and 4 territories, which identified more than $6.6 billion in investment needs. [More Information About the Applications]

TAACs Awarded 8^th Year of Funding

EDA announced $13.5 million in grants to support 11 Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs), which help manufacturers affected by imports adjust to increasing global competition and create jobs. The TAACs each service multiple states are in their eighth year of a funding cycle running from 2016 to 2024. [Read More]

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

ALABAMA

Automotive Training Facility Revs Up the Economy

Recognizing a need within the community, the Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama, sought to create an automotive technology training program. The program was started from scratch and supported by a $1.5 million EDA investment. It now operates a 23,000-square-foot facility with 20 automotive bays. [Read More]

TECH HUBS: IN THE NEWS

NEW YORK

The New York Times

The Biden administration said on Monday that it had chosen 31 regions as potential recipients of federal money that would seek to fund innovation in parts of the country that government investment overlooked in the past.

A Push for Tech Hubs in Overlooked Places Picks 31 to Vie for Money

COLORADO

The Denver Post

Colorado has been designated as an official technology and innovation hub for the quantum industry, opening up tens of millions of dollars in funding and elevating the region’s profile as a leader in the field.

Colorado Designated as Official Tech Hub for Quantum Industry

INDIANA

Building Indiana Business

The Applied Research Institute, Inc. (“ARI”) announced the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has designated Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub.

Indiana Secures Regional Tech Hub Designation for Heartland BioWorks

NEW YORK

Syracuse.com

A region that spans Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo has won a U.S. competition to become one of 31 national tech hubs, a designation that could help unleash billions of dollars in new investment in Upstate New York.

Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo win US designation as National Tech Hub for Computer Chips

OKLAHOMA

KJRH

In a colorful and trendy building, Tulsa techies are working to build homegrown talent and infrastructure. The downtown building was an ice block storage facility in Tulsa's early days. Now, it's home to Tulsa Innovation Labs and other companies working to transform Tulsa's future with their projects.

Tulsa 'Tech Hub' Designation Could Mean $75 Million Award in Federal Funds

OREGON

Portland Tribune

Oregon consortiums led by Oregon State University have won federal designations as technology hubs under 2022 legislation intended to promote scientific research and domestic manufacturing.

Oregon Gets Two Tech Hubs, Grant for Work on Energy Storage