The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially opened this week its competition for a new Manufacturing USA institute focused on artificial intelligence, offering up to $70 million in Federal funds for the new institute over five years.
NIST first announced the new AI for Resilient Manufacturing USA institute with a Notice of Intent published in March to allow potential applicants “sufficient time” to develop collaborations with industry, academia, Federal laboratories, and state and local government agencies.
The Manufacturing USA network has 17 manufacturing institutes across the nation, each with a specific technology focus. All institutes work toward a common goal to secure the future of U.S. manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration.
“AI has enormous potential to make us smarter, faster, and more innovative, but we have to work together to maximize its benefits and mitigate its risks,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Through this new AI-focused Manufacturing USA institute, we will help leverage AI to supercharge manufacturing, empower our workforce, and create secure, resilient supply chains.”
According to NIST, the new AI Manufacturing USA institute will concentrate its efforts on three primary areas of operation: advancing technology development, developing an educated and skilled workforce, and developing shared infrastructure and facilities.
In addition, the new institute is expected to develop cost-effective, AI-based advanced manufacturing capabilities by collaborating with industry, academia, and government. This public-private partnership will integrate expertise in AI, manufacturing, and supply chain networks to promote manufacturing resilience.
Proposals can cut across multiple industrial sectors or focus on just one, NIST said.
This competition will have a two-stage application process. Concept papers – due Sept. 30 – will be considered in the first stage of the competition. In the second stage, applicants with the best concepts will be invited to submit full proposals by Jan. 23, 2025.
All applicants are expected to clearly define their intended outcomes and timelines for delivering them. Proposals must address a compelling U.S. industrial need, demonstrate significant industry buy-in, and avoid duplicating the efforts of existing Manufacturing USA institutes.
“This new Manufacturing USA institute will strengthen the U.S. economy by helping manufacturers make smart use of AI to boost their productivity and increase their resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions and other unexpected events,” said NIST Director Laurie Locascio. “We look forward to reviewing innovative proposals that will help domestic manufacturers maximize the potential of AI.”
