Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program

 Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program

In 2022, Congress created the Tech Hubs Program to strengthen U.S. economic and national security by commercializing the technologies of the future. The investments made through this program can ensure that critical industries, companies, and jobs start, grow, and remain in the United States.

While these opportunities are exciting, all federal investment must be strategic, smart, and result in the best return for the taxpayer. Regrettably, on its way out the door, the prior Administration announced awards to six Tech Hubs, even though the funds were not yet available. Moreover, the process was rushed, opaque, and unfair- administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier. A rushed process using outdated information is no way to invest taxpayer funds.

At my direction, the Commerce Department is revamping the Tech Hubs program to prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer, and a fair process. The EDA will release a new notice of funding opportunity this summer with the goal of announcing selections in early 2026. To be clear, this decision is not an indictment of the work that the previously selected Tech Hubs are doing. They can compete for funding alongside all other prospective applicants. This decision is about fairness and making prudent choices with hard earned taxpayer dollars. The process will be transparent, fair, and ensure that the American taxpayers are investing in the best technological advancements to bolster the growth of critical industries in the United States.