The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) program is designed to strengthen industry through regional collaboration, shortening the distance between a small business with a product and the prime contractor, manufacturer, or buyer in need. Each RIC is organized around a single industry in a single geographic area. On October 6, 2026, SBA announced over $7 million to create nine new RICs.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced 278 awards to 342 participating institutions to fund projects with the goal of accelerating a new era of AI-driven scientific breakthroughs in energy, discovery science, and national security.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently awarded $14.5 million in Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grants for five projects.
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) recognized Dan Berglund, SSTI president, with a Career Achievement Award at its International Conference earlier this month. In a press release, AURP said, "Through the course of his SSTI career, Dan’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the advancement and recognition of the innovation ecosystem, including the Innovation Advocacy Council.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $33.5 million to 12 collaborative, multi-state projects designed to drive large-scale economic transformation.
The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, a program authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, targets areas where the share of prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average.
The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, a program authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, targets areas where the share of prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average. The program’s goal, according to a press release from EDA, is “closing this gap through flexible, locally-driven investments.”
EDA has selected six implementation awardees for funding from the 22 Recompete Finalists, with individual award amounts to be finalized in the coming months.
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) has released a new pilot map with data on over 3,300 awards nationwide managed by TIP starting from fiscal year 2023.
The Economic Development Administration today announced $504 million in funding across 12 Tech Hubs, the culmination of a 14-month selection process to choose the first regions funded for implementation projects under the program. The 12 Hubs receiving implementation awards are listed in the graphic below.
While the headline above may be one of the most boring written in the SSTI Weekly Digest’s history, any recipient of federal grant funding should be aware that changes are coming to the Uniform Grants Guidance that governs federal grants, effective October 1. The guidance “sets the foundational requirements for agencies in making grants and providing other forms of Federal financial assistance, such as cooperative agreements and loans,” according to the White House. The changes will apply only to awards after October 1.