The Biden administration has announced a $504 million grant for the development of technology hubs in various locations across the United States. These technology hubs will focus on advancing quantum computing, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, personal medicine, and other cutting-edge technologies. The aim is to foster technological innovation across the country, rather than limiting it to a few metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and New York City.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that there are numerous talented individuals, innovative entrepreneurs, and leading research institutions throughout the country, and it’s crucial to provide them with the necessary resources to compete in the technology sectors that will shape the 21st-century global economy. The funding for these tech hubs comes from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration.
In October 2023, President Joe Biden designated 31 tech hubs, and the administration is pushing for additional funding to ensure all the designated tech hubs receive extra resources to compete effectively. The tech hubs receiving the initial funding include:
1. Elevate Quantum Tech Hub in Colorado and New Mexico, with a grant of $41 million.
2. Headwaters Hub in Montana, with a grant of $41 million.
3. Heartland BioWorks in Indiana, with a grant of $51 million.
4. iFAB Tech Hub in Illinois, with a grant of $51 million.
5. Nevada Tech Hub, with a grant of $21 million.
6. NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub in New York, with a grant of $40 million.
7. ReGen Valley Tech Hub in New Hampshire, with a grant of $44 million.
8. SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy in South Carolina and Georgia, with a grant of $45 million.
9. South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub, with a grant of $19 million.
10. Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub in Ohio, with a grant of $51 million.
11. Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy in Oklahoma, with a grant of $51 million.
12. Wisconsin Biohealth Teach Hub, with a grant of $51 million.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
