Regional innovation systems across the country can learn from the journeys of the EDA's designated Tech Hubs, regardless of your region’s competitive advantage. The twelve hubs continue to make progress, with consortia launching new programs and advancing key initiatives. The following highlights recent news from a selection of hubs. SSTI supports the Tech Hub community through its Technology-Based Economic Development Community of Practice.
Industry partnerships for scale-up: The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub held its annual Biomanufacturing Summit earlier this month, where it announced the winner of their joint innovation challenge with Kraft Heinz. Michroma, a startup developing fermentation-derived natural food colorants, won and will receive access to pilot-scale fermentation infrastructure and technical mentorship through the hub.
Recycling technology deployment: Nevada Tech Hub and Redwood Materials have begun deploying 20 smart battery recycling bins across the state, a program designed to keep lithium batteries out of landfills and recover critical materials for the domestic supply chain. The hub awarded $450,000 to fund development and placement of the bins, which include temperature monitoring and fire-suppressant technology.
Pilot facility funding: The Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub secured $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for its polymer innovation pilot facility, adding to the $25 million already allocated for the project. The funding will support the purchase of polymer-processing equipment for the facility being built on the University of Akron campus.