The Biden administration has taken a significant step towards transforming overlooked communities into technological powerhouses by awarding $504 million to a dozen projects across the country. These grants will fund “tech hubs” in regions such as western Montana, central Indiana, South Florida, and upstate New York, with the goal of accelerating the growth of advanced industries like biomanufacturing, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and personalized medicine.
This initiative, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act passed by Congress in 2022, aims to expand America’s science and technology funding beyond Silicon Valley and coastal regions. The program received nearly 400 applications, with 31 projects receiving “tech hub” designations in October. On Tuesday, 12 regions were awarded grants ranging from $19 million to $51 million.
While the $10 billion program has the potential to revitalize underinvested areas and create “good-paying” jobs, concerns have been raised about the limited funding available. John Lettieri, CEO of the Economic Innovation Group, expressed skepticism about the program’s ability to achieve substantial transformation with the current funding levels. However, Mark Muro of the Brookings Institution sees the grants as an important first step, but acknowledges that additional funding will be necessary for significant economic impact.
One of the projects awarded funding is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, focusing on developing drones and autonomous systems for the U.S. military. Jennifer Hankins, managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, highlighted the project’s aim to reduce dependence on foreign production for autonomous technologies and address cultural bias in A.I. systems by partnering with diverse organizations.
Another winning project comes from Indiana’s Heartland BioWorks consortium, which will invest in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Andrew Kossack, EVP for partnerships at the Applied Research Institute, emphasized the importance of leveraging local industry clusters to attract venture capital and other funding to the region.
Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo emphasized the potential for further investment to drive tech advancements, regional growth, and job creation. With bipartisan interest in the program, there is hope for additional funding, although political tensions may pose challenges. Commerce Department officials have expressed eagerness to offer more funding rounds if lawmakers appropriate additional resources.
Overall, the grants awarded by the Biden administration represent a significant investment in transforming overlooked communities into technological hubs, with the potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation across the country.
