The Biden administration has announced the designation of 31 technology hubs in 32 states and Puerto Rico as part of its initiative to stimulate innovation and job creation in various industries. These technology hubs are intended to promote economic development and drive innovation in regions across the United States.
The program, known as the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, was launched by the Commerce Department in May. It involves distributing $500 million in grants to cities as part of a $10 billion authorization outlined in last year’s CHIPS and Science Act. This initiative aims to encourage investments in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, and to expand tech investment beyond the major technology centers in the United States, such as Austin, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of investing in critical technologies, including biotechnology, critical materials, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. He expressed his belief that the United States is poised for significant advancements and leadership in innovation.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo noted that her department received an overwhelming response with 400 applications from various regions. The tech hubs will span 32 states and Puerto Rico, including areas in Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, New Hampshire, Missouri, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Minnesota, Louisiana, Idaho, Wyoming, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York, Nevada, Missouri, Oregon, Vermont, Ohio, Maine, Washington, and Puerto Rico.
This initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of decentralizing economic opportunities and promoting job growth in regions across the country, fostering innovation and spreading prosperity beyond traditional technology hubs. The program represents a significant effort to ensure that good job opportunities are accessible to people across the United States, supporting the administration’s economic and policy objectives.