On Thursday, April 1, the White House announced a new institute which will focus on revolutionary fibers and textile manufacturing. This new institute is the eighth manufacturing hub to be awarded as part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). Collectively, the federal government’s commitment of nearly $600 million to the eight awarded institutes has been matched by over $1.2 billion in non-federal investment from across industry, academia, and state governments. The institutes, each led by manufacturing experts renowned in their field, have attracted over 800 companies, universities, and non-profits as members of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. These collaborative efforts help catalyze the research, development, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies by reducing private-sector risk and fostering innovation.

Other institutes have already proven the public-private partnership model to be successful. PowerAmerica, also called the Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Office and was also highlighted in the White House announcement. PowerAmerica will develop advanced manufacturing processes and work to accelerate the commercialization of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor technologies. The Institute is establishing a collaborative community that will create, showcase, and deploy new power electronic capabilities, products, and processes that can impact commercial production, build workforce skills, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and foster long-term economic growth in the region and across the nation.

In addition to the manufacturing institute award, the Obama Administration released a new report detailing a snapshot of Federal priorities across 13 agencies for research and development investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. This report reinforces the Administration’s commitment to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and nurturing the innovation ecosystem and provides guidance for current and future investments.

For more information on the NNMI, click here.

For more information on PowerAmerica, click here.  

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