FY 2025 Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Economic Development Administration, has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program Notice of Funding Opportunity, also known as the FY 2025 Tech Hubs NOFO. This program continues the Tech Hubs initiative launched under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, which aims to support U.S. regions with strong innovation potential in advancing globally competitive industries. The program’s intent is to strengthen national security, accelerate economic growth, and ensure that the jobs and technologies of the future are created and sustained within the United States. Through this NOFO, approximately $220 million is available to support implementation projects within previously designated Tech Hubs. It is important to note that no new Tech Hub designations will be made under this announcement, and only the 19 Tech Hubs that received Consortium Accelerator Awards in 2024 are eligible to apply. The program will operate as a two-stage competition. In Stage I, eligible consortia may submit preliminary applications by November 7, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time. This stage requires applicants to update and expand their strategic vision for advancing commercialization of critical technologies, including submission of an overarching hub narrative, component project narratives, budget details, match letters, and commitment letters. Following a technical and merit review, EDA will determine which proposed component projects may advance to Stage II. In Stage II, applicants will submit comprehensive application packages, a pitch deck, and a recorded presentation, all due by February 18, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications received after either deadline will not be reviewed. EDA anticipates announcing Stage II awardees in spring 2026, with projects expected to begin performance around May 2026. Awards will typically have a period of performance ranging from 24 to 60 months. Funding will be distributed through grants or cooperative agreements, with most awards anticipated to be structured as grants. Federal cost sharing will be capped at 90 percent of total eligible costs, with applicants required to secure at least 10 percent in non-federal matching contributions. For tribal-led consortia, the federal share may be awarded at up to 100 percent. Matching funds may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, but applicants must document their commitments through signed match letters. Projects funded may include a wide range of construction and non-construction activities, such as workforce development, entrepreneurship and business support, technology maturation and deployment, infrastructure projects, and governance systems. EDA emphasizes the importance of private sector commitments, regional partnerships, and long-term sustainability. The program has specific federal funding caps depending on the type of component project. Workforce development and business development projects may receive up to $15 million each, technology development and infrastructure projects may each receive up to $20 million, and governance-related projects may receive up to $1 million in federal funds. However, EDA may deviate from these caps in cases of exceptional need or potential impact. Applicants must ensure that proposed activities align with the selected core technology area previously identified during the Tech Hub designation process. Acceptable focus areas include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum information science, biotechnology, robotics, energy storage, cybersecurity, advanced communications, and other federally identified key technologies. Proposals must demonstrate that projects address commercialization gaps, leverage regional assets, and will enable the Tech Hub to achieve global competitiveness in its sector within ten years. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) platform at sfgrants.eda.gov. Paper or emailed submissions will only be permitted under limited exceptions. All applicants must have active registration in SAM.gov and a Unique Entity Identifier. During review, applications will be evaluated against merit criteria, including the strength of the technology challenge and solution, the quality of the consortium, the feasibility and interconnectedness of the project portfolio, and the overall taxpayer bargain. At the component project level, reviewers will assess the feasibility of proposed activities, alignment with hub goals, and the projected benefits to U.S. taxpayers. EDA will also conduct a due diligence review, including legal, environmental, and compliance checks, before final award decisions are made. Final selections will be determined by the Selecting Official in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce. Eligible applicants are limited to consortia that were designated as Tech Hubs in October 2023, received Consortium Accelerator Awards in 2024, and have not yet received implementation funding. Each consortium must include at least one institution of higher education, one state, territorial, local, or tribal government entity, one industry group or firm in a relevant sector, one economic development organization, and one labor or workforce training organization. Other optional partners, such as K-12 schools, venture development organizations, National Laboratories, or manufacturing institutes, may also participate. Applicants must ensure that a substantial portion of the benefits of the proposed projects accrue to the designated Tech Hub region. Each consortium has a designated lead member that serves as the EDA’s primary point of contact and oversees a Regional Innovation Officer. EDA will notify successful applicants electronically. An informational webinar will be provided to the 19 eligible Tech Hubs to answer program-related questions and assist with proposal preparation. All inquiries about the program and requests for technical assistance should be directed to the Tech Hubs inbox at TechHubs@eda.gov. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in regional technology ecosystems and aims to ensure that American innovation leads the world while generating lasting economic and national security benefits.