Critical Technologies Market Insider - Week of September 23
Raj Sharma
TEDx | Deep market intelligence and smashing barriers are my superpowers | Connecting Public Sector with Emerging/Underserved Companies and Communities is my mission | Helping people is my only measure of success
In this week's edition, you will find:
- Stories on ME Commons Awards, DOE's Investment in Laboratory Infrastructure, NSF's Funding for Research Fellowships, and more!
- Emerging technology stories include Semiconductors, AI, SpaceTech, Cybersecurity, Electronic Warfare, and Buildings Tech.
- PSF Analysis, Insights, and more!
I. GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced $269 million in awards for 33 technical projects under the Microelectronics Commons (ME Commons) Initiative. The ME Commons program is funded by the CHIPS and Science Act and is aimed at strengthening the nation's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Along with advancing technology, the eight Commons Hubs also have workforce development initiatives to expand microelectronics education and recruit new talent to the industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transitions plans to issue a $36.8 million call for proposals under the FY25 Core Laboratory Infrastructure for Market Readiness (CLIMR) initiative. The funding aims to support National Labs in advancing clean energy technologies by assessing market needs, fostering partnerships, enhancing lab processes, and accelerating commercialization efforts with private sector involvement.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has invested over $2.1 million in eight STEM projects through its Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program, partnering with NASA. The awards support research fellowships at NASA centers, focusing on areas like carbon capture, lunar construction, space propulsion, and AI system safety. These initiatives aim to enhance research infrastructure and develop STEM talent, especially at underrepresented institutions.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $5.3 million in West Virginia to support infrastructure, workforce development, and small businesses. Key projects include expanding Greenbrier County Airport, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program, and the Vantage Ventures Accelerator. These investments aim to create jobs, retain positions, and attract private investment.
Leaders at the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sat down and discussed efforts to support small businesses by promoting fair competition with larger companies. They highlighted SBA initiatives like increased small business contracting and simplified loan programs, while the FTC enforces antitrust laws to ensure market fairness. The discussion took place during the SBA’s 2024 Regulatory Fairness Board meeting, addressing federal regulations affecting small businesses.
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently hosted the first in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Supply Chain Council meetings, establishing workplans and teams for key sectors like semiconductors, chemicals, and critical minerals. The Crisis Response Network also met, conducting a supply chain disruption simulation. These efforts aim to strengthen supply chain resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Air Force has fully deployed its cloud-based command and control (CBC2) system to all North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) air defense sectors. CBC2 integrates radar and data feeds for improved decision-making and is part of the broader DAF Battle Network. The next step will be scaling CBC2 from tactical to operational levels across additional command systems.
II. PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
Public Dashboard: The Regions that are getting Emerging Tech Grants
Based on our recent analyses we can see there is a significant amount of the grant funding is concentrated in the northeast, California, and then the midwest, with more spread across the south.
Analysis shows these universities are getting the tech grants:
- University of Michigan
- The Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Florida
There's a lot more to uncover. You can access the Public Innovation Ecosystem Dashboard to see more information.
Customize the data for your use-case: Contact us if you would like to customize the critical tech datasets for your specific use-cases, through our Rapid Market Intelligence Sprints. Please reach out to us at support@publicspendforum.net .
Recommended by LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Critical Tech Market Insider to get important market insights on critical tech markets and to become part of our 20,000+ community
III. TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced $42.4 million in grants for its Future of Semiconductors (NSF FuSe2) program. The funding supports 23 semiconductor research projects across 15 states, focusing on advanced computing, energy efficiency, high-performance electronics, and new materials. These projects aim to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry and enhance education, workforce development, and technological innovation.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Simons Foundation have launched two new AI institutes which will receive $20 million each to advance AI in astronomical sciences. The institutes will develop AI tools to process large astronomical datasets, accelerate research, and empower scientists at all levels. Their work aims to benefit both astronomy and other scientific fields involving big data and complex models.
Ohio State University has received a $5.5 million AFRL grant to establish the SPACE-Mat Center of Excellence, focusing on advancing spacecraft materials for Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The center will develop methods to predict and extend material lifespans against LEO conditions and train engineers in materials science, space physics, and computational modeling. The multidisciplinary effort includes collaboration with several partner universities.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has introduced the “FCEB Operational Cybersecurity Alignment ” (FOCAL) guidebook to enhance federal cybersecurity efforts. The plan outlines action steps in five key areas, including building resilient cybersecurity architectures and managing cyber supply chain risks. FOCAL aims to unify and strengthen federal agencies' defenses against evolving cyber threats.
The Air Force's yearlong study on electronic warfare, although largely classified, is expected to influence future budget and architectural decisions. The findings suggest a stronger emphasis is needed on electronic warfare capabilities, which have historically struggled for funding compared to other programs. The study highlights potential improvements in countering space and air threats and is driving efforts to develop open architectures and real-time updates for electronic attack systems.
The Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce have awarded Intel up to $3 billion to boost advanced semiconductor production under the Secure Enclave program. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities and strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain for national security. The funding will improve fabrication facilities and support microelectronics manufacturing.
The Department of Energy’s recently released 2024 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report highlights significant achievements in energy efficiency and decarbonization. Since 2011, partners have saved nearly $22 billion and cut 220 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The report also features successful projects, new solutions like high-efficiency heat pumps, and tools for reducing decarbonization barriers.
WORK WITH US
"Mindblowing", "Immensely valuable", "A Home Run" - See and experience what all the craze is about- Run a Market Intelligence Sprint
National Science Foundation, NASA, DLA, Veteran Ventures, OSD (R&E) Microelectronics Commons. These are just some of our customers who have used PSF's Rapid Market Intelligence Sprints to run a market intelligence sprint for their use cases. Through old-fashioned analysis, powered by our award-winning data and AI, the Use Cases we are addressing include:
- Rapidly understanding supply/demand ecosystem and vendor landscape to support recruiting for upcoming challenges/SBIRs or expanding local ecosystems
- Understanding emerging tech trends and vendor capabilities to inform tech roadmaps and requirements definition
- Conducting Industrial Base, Supplier Risk, and Investment Due Diligence- Commercialization, Supplier Risk, and Vendor due diligence sprints
Please reach out to us at support@publicspendforum.net to get started with a sprint or a subscription