State grant programs support manufacturers and improve their competitiveness

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
As those involved with the longstanding, internationally recognized program know, an air of uncertainty has enveloped NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for the past two years. With the release of the new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for MEP Centers (see SSTI’s write‑up here), it appears that perhaps many of those troubles may be in the past. Even so, the uncertainty has prompted many manufacturers, small businesses, and MEP centers to explore alternate funding sources, partnerships, and forms of assistance beyond NIST.

State News for July 23, 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
States and policymakers are seeking a better understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities of extreme heat and its associated weather events; and, in doing so, are beginning to develop strategies for a hotter future, including anticipated fiscal impacts. Arizona, California, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Wisconsin have all developed and begun implementing those heat action plans. Meanwhile, a recent report on the impact of extreme heat found that Mississippi is among the states with the largest heat-related economic losses. The United States loses an average of $100 billion annually from heat-induced declines in labor productivity.

Tech Talkin’ Govs 2024: Innovation agendas from the governors’ State of the State addresses—Part 2

Thursday, January 18, 2024

In this week’s continuing coverage of gubernatorial addresses as they impact the innovation economy, New Mexico Governor calls for $170 million to bolster hydrogen, geothermal and next-generation battery storage. Rhode Island Governor proposes building a new life science school at the University of Rhode Island and cybersecurity bond to grow Rhode Island College’s cybersecurity program. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s governor proposes increasing spending to attract people to move to the state.

Tech Talkin’ Govs 2024: Innovation agendas from the governors’ State of the State addresses

Thursday, January 11, 2024

With the start of the new year, governors have begun to deliver their State of the State addresses, laying out proposals for new programs and discussing the conditions of their states. As states’ revenue levels return to more typical levels, lawmakers, with a few exceptions, are taking a more cautious, or constrained, view of their funding priorities and proposed initiatives.

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