A New Chapter for America’s Tech Hubs
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is relaunching the Tech Hubs Program with an emphasis on strategic investment, national security alignment, and a fair, competitive process. Initially launched in 2022 to spark innovation across emerging industries, the program now enters a more disciplined phase. A new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected this summer, with award announcements projected for early 2026. Learn more here – https://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2025/05/tech-hubs-program-fact-sheet and here – https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2025/05/statement-us-secretary-commerce-howard-lutnick-tech-hubs-program
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick’s May 16 announcement confirmed that prior awards, granted under a rushed process and using outdated materials will be reevaluated. Moving forward, all applicants, including previously selected hubs, will compete under a refreshed framework designed to ensure transparency and accountability. For organizations committed to regional transformation, this signals a rare opportunity to shape the future of U.S. technology leadership.
TL;DR: EDA Tech Hubs Are Back, and It’s Time to Prepare
The Tech Hubs Program is being reset with a new funding opportunity launching in summer 2025. Previous awards have been withdrawn, and a fair, national competition will determine the next round of investments. Applicants should prepare now, with an emphasis on project clarity, measurable impact, and readiness to implement. Both strong proposals and robust evaluation plans will be critical to standing out.
Evaluation Will Be a Key Differentiator
As the EDA raises the bar for accountability, successful proposals must go beyond high-level visions and demonstrate how success will be measured and sustained. Evaluation frameworks will no longer be a supporting detail, they’ll be a central feature of how value is assessed.
Projects grounded in data-driven planning and evidence-based methodologies are more likely to align with EDA’s focus on return for the taxpayer. Now is the time to integrate an evaluation strategy that shows not only what your team plans to achieve but also how you will prove those outcomes and adapt over time.
For teams preparing to submit, collaborating with experienced evaluators can bring clarity, rigor, and credibility to the narrative and reduce the likelihood of last-minute gaps or inconsistencies.
EDA Proposal Readiness Is No Longer Optional
With a summer NOFO release on the horizon, applicants who begin developing their proposals now will be far better positioned to respond competitively. Crafting a compelling application takes more than meeting eligibility and filling out forms. It requires strategic alignment with EDA priorities, precise articulation of economic impact, and a compelling narrative that weaves together partners, resources, and regional assets.
Whether you’re reapplying with an updated concept or submitting for the first time, experienced proposal development support can make the difference between a strong idea and a fundable one. Our team has worked with coalitions across the country to build competitive proposals that are both grounded in regional strengths and responsive to federal expectations.
Compete With Confidence
This relaunch isn’t just a redo; it’s an invitation to raise the standard. For organizations committed to bold innovation, regional competitiveness, and long-term impact, now is the time to act. The competition will be rigorous, and the expectations will be higher, but so will the opportunity.
We collaborate with clients to craft compelling, funder-aligned proposals and to design evaluation frameworks that prove impact over time. Whether your team needs full proposal preparation support, an independent evaluation partner, or strategic input along the way, we’re ready to work with you to position your Tech Hubs proposal for success.
The next round of Tech Hubs funding is coming. Let’s make sure you’re ready to meet it.
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We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.