- Local tech hub, American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub in the Inland Northwest, misses out on funding
- North Idaho College President Nick Swayne expresses pride in making it to the final 31 potential hubs out of 400 applicants
- Department of Commerce to visit the Spokane-based tech hub, indicating a ‘not yet’ rather than a definitive rejection
- Proposed tech hub aims to create skilled, high-paying jobs through applied education research and advanced production
- Inland Northwest Tech Hub issues a statement expressing disappointment but highlighting the region’s potential in aerospace industry
The Disappointment of the Local Tech Hub Missing Out on Funding
Local Tech Hub Misses Out on Funding
In a recent announcement by the Biden Administration, the proposed American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub in the Inland Northwest did not make the cut for the next funding round. Despite the setback, North Idaho College President Nick Swayne expressed pride in making it to the final 31 potential hubs out of 400 applicants. The competition was tough, with much larger regions vying for limited spaces. However, Swayne remains optimistic about the future, stating that the process sparked valuable conversations about the manufacturing needs of the region and led to the formation of new partnerships to address those needs.
The Journey of the Local Tech Hub
The journey of the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub involved a collaborative effort by a regional partnership of organizations from Washington and Idaho. This partnership included entities such as North Idaho College, the cities of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corp., and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The Tech Hubs Program, initiated by the Biden Administration, aims to boost the economies of communities nationwide by advancing critical technologies and enhancing national and economic security.
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A Disheartening Setback
Despite the initial support from President Joe Biden and the U.S. Tech Hubs designation, the Inland Northwest Tech Hub did not secure the grant it needed to move forward with its ambitious plans. The recent announcement of $504 million in implementation grants to 12 tech hubs did not include the local hub, leading to disappointment among its supporters. Tech hubs from states like Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Ohio, Florida, Oklahoma, and New York were among those that advanced in the funding round.
Looking Ahead
Though the setback is disheartening, leaders of the local consortium behind the tech hub remain determined and hopeful for the future. Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh, a key figure in the consortium, emphasized that the setback should be seen as a ‘not yet’ rather than a definitive ‘no.’ The consortium members are convinced of the hub’s potential for success and are not giving up on their vision just yet.
Moving forward, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo is set to visit the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub in Spokane. This visit is seen as an opportunity to receive technical assistance on the hub’s strategy in the defense and aerospace markets. The goal remains to establish the Inland Northwest as a hub for aerospace suppliers, private investment, and new products in the U.S. aerospace supply chain.
Despite missing out on the recent round of funding, the supporters of the local tech hub are committed to continuing their efforts and pursuing additional investment opportunities. The vision for the hub to become a world-class tech ecosystem through targeted investments remains strong, and with ongoing support from various stakeholders, the consortium aims to position the Inland Northwest as a key player in the aerospace industry.
While the disappointment of not securing funding is palpable, the spirit and determination of the local tech hub’s supporters remain unwavering. The setback serves as a temporary roadblock in the journey towards creating a thriving hub for aerospace materials manufacturing in the Inland Northwest. As the consortium regroups and refines its strategy, the hope for a brighter future where the region can contribute significantly to the aerospace industry remains alive and well.
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