NIST awarded over $30 million to 12 Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers. The centers are in 11 states and Puerto Rico. They will help small and medium manufacturers adopt AI, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing. Each winner must secure at least 50% nonfederal matching funds. The awards cover only the first year of each project. Future funding depends on performance reviews and alignment with MEP, NIST and Commerce Department priorities. Winners must develop shared metrics for technology adoption. They must also engage with flagship manufacturers in priority sectors. NIST initially invited applications from 13 states and Puerto Rico. Alaska and California were not selected in this round. NIST plans to accept applications from those states in early 2027.
What changed
MEP centers relied on prior or separate funding for technology adoption support.
What it unlocks
Small and medium manufacturers can now access subsidized help to adopt AI, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing.
- $30M total funding
- 12 MEP centers funded
- 50% nonfederal cost share required
- 5-year evaluation period
What you need to act on it
- nonfederal matching funds or cost share of at least 50%
- cooperative agreement with NIST
- successful performance reviews for future funding
Sources