Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Carson City-Reno Region to Lead Innovation in Lithium Sector
WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that the Nevada Lithium Batteries and Other EV Material Loop (“The Loop”) in the Carson City-Reno region was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.
“The Loop,” a consortium led by the University of Nevada Reno, seeks to support the region in becoming a global lithium leader. It will make Nevada a strong node in a critical supply chain by aligning and coordinating its innovation and economic development activities with established companies, startups, education, and workforce development organizations in the lithium sector.
This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”
“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”
“We are leading the country’s clean energy economy and I’m proud to have fought for the University of Nevada, Reno and all of Northern Nevada to be officially designated as a hub for innovation and job creation,” said Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “I’ll continue to support collaborations like “The Loop” that bolster Nevada’s entire clean energy supply chain, from lithium extraction to battery manufacturing and recycling.”
“Northern Nevada is uniquely positioned to help power our nation’s clean energy future through battery and electric vehicle innovation,” said Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen. “I’m proud to announce the University of Nevada, Reno is part of a select group designated as a regional Tech Hub and is now one step closer to receiving millions of dollars in funding and resources to bolster local innovation that will create good-paying jobs. This announcement is a recognition that Nevada is a regional leader in lithium battery technology, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure Nevada is selected for the final funding award.”
The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.
For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.