Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), is designed to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Iowa in adopting and integrating advanced smart technologies into their operations. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader Manufacturing 4.0 Strategic Plan, which aims to help local manufacturers maintain competitiveness in the global marketplace by leveraging Industry 4.0 innovations such as automation, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Given that advanced manufacturing comprises nearly 18% of Iowa’s GDP, the program represents a targeted investment in a cornerstone of the state economy. The program offers two types of grants: Manufacturing Innovation Equipment Grants and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Infrastructure Investment Grants. The Equipment Grants provide up to $50,000 to support the acquisition of technology such as 3D printers, collaborative robotics, and process improvement tools. The IIoT Grants offer up to $25,000 for purchasing infrastructure-related hardware and software, including predictive maintenance systems, cybersecurity applications, data analytics tools, and augmented reality equipment. Applicants can receive funding from one or both streams, but the total lifetime cap per business is $75,000. All applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements: they must be manufacturers located in Iowa, employ between 3 and 149 full-time employees, hold NAICS codes from 31 to 33, derive at least 51% of their revenue from manufactured goods, and have been in business for a minimum of three years. A 1:1 cash match from private funds is also mandatory for both grant categories. Furthermore, a prerequisite for applying is the completion of a Manufacturing 4.0 assessment conducted by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), which is used to inform the strategic investment plan submitted with the application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting in 2025 and will be reviewed competitively until the funds are depleted. Awards are granted on a reimbursement basis only, meaning no purchases may be made prior to the application date. Successful applicants will enter a one-year grant agreement period, during which they must procure and implement their equipment or software and request reimbursement. The CIRAS assessment request window is currently open and will close on November 22, 2024. This assessment is essential for evaluating a company’s readiness and potential for Industry 4.0 technology adoption. The results must be submitted with the application when the portal opens in 2025. Businesses are also advised to ensure they are in good standing with the Iowa Department of Revenue before submitting their application, as failure to comply will result in denial. For more information, applicants can contact Anna Lensing at info@iowamfg.com or by phone at 515.348.6199. Additional details, required documents, and past award information are available at iowamfg.com.

The program emphasizes the importance of technology investment in advancing manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness.