Critical Technologies Market Insider - Week of October 07
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:
Want to learn more about PSF's Market Intelligence Sprints, dashboards and analytical tools, reach out to me directly or [email protected].
I. GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced its first Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), initiating the application process for loans aimed at accelerating the commercialization and scaling of critical technologies. The NOFA supports equipment financing for U.S. companies in 31 key technology categories, enabling significant investment in national security priorities while enhancing the U.S. industrial base.
The National Science Foundation (NSF), along with international partners, announced nearly $82 million in funding for Global Centers focused on advancing bioeconomy research. These centers will tackle global challenges like crop resilience, waste management, and biofoundries. The initiative supports multidisciplinary projects to drive innovation for societal and environmental benefit.
The inaugural AUKUS Electronic Warfare Challenge, launched in March 2024, identified innovative electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) solutions from companies in the U.S., UK, and Australia. The competition aimed to enhance defense capabilities and protect against adversarial EMS targeting. Distributed Spectrum Inc. won the U.S. challenge for its RF sensing platform, with 173 companies participating overall, strengthening AUKUS defense innovation efforts.
Dept. of Commerce Launches NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence with Expected $250 Million Investment
The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) has launched the Workforce Center of Excellence to address workforce development challenges in the U.S. semiconductor industry. With a $250 million Dept. of Commerce investment over ten years, the center will collaborate with various stakeholders to create innovative training solutions. Key programs aim to enhance worker skills, improve job accessibility, and address workforce gaps, ultimately preparing over 12,000 individuals for careers in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is on track to surpass its small business performance metrics, engaging over 2,000 businesses in the past year. AFRL supports small businesses with contracts and resources, fostering innovation and collaboration. Efforts include improving outreach, leveraging AI, and addressing challenges to ensure a strong supply chain for future defense capabilities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the winners of the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, recognizing innovative technologies that reduce hazardous substances and promote sustainability. Notable achievements include developing plant-based lubricant oils, corn-derived solvents, and energy-efficient drug manufacturing processes. These advancements collectively contribute to pollution prevention and climate change mitigation, reinforcing the importance of green chemistry in protecting human health and the environment.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will cohost two ChallengeHER events aimed at increasing women-owned firms in the federal supply chain. Scheduled for October 10 in Virginia and December 3 in Florida, these free events provide matchmaking and training opportunities for women business owners. The initiative has already assisted over 26,000 women-owned businesses in accessing federal contracts and increasing their revenue.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is contributing half of a $15 million funding package to create the Center for Advancing Elementary Science through Assessment, Research, and Technology (CAESART). This initiative aims to enhance the quality of science instruction and assessment for elementary students by fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners to develop innovative curricula and assessment methods.
II. PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
PSF Rapid Market Intelligence Sprint - Batteries Ecosystem
We at?Public Spend Forum, are working on different market intelligence reports and briefs for Emerging tech market assessment. One of our recent analyses focused on the Batteries Ecosystem Market. Our whole supplier ecosystem includes over 900 unique suppliers (and growing), covering everything from cathode and anode materials to full battery solutions and manufacturing equipment.
Here is the summary of our insights, based on the comprehensive and unique data we are analyzing:
There's a lot more to uncover. You can access the Public Innovation Ecosystem Dashboard to see more information.
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III. TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced an open competition to demonstrate how AI can accelerate the development of sustainable semiconductor materials and processes. With up to $100 million in funding, the initiative aims to foster university-led, industry-informed collaborations using AI-powered autonomous experimentation. This effort seeks to enhance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing while addressing environmental sustainability and efficiency challenges.
The DOD's Replicator 2 initiative will focus on countering small drones at military installations globally. Defense Secretary Austin announced the Replicator 2 plan, which aims to enhance protection against uncrewed aerial systems within 24 months after funding approval. With about $500 million secured for 2024 and similar funding requested for 2025, the initiative intends to rapidly field thousands of autonomous systems and deploy CUAS capabilities to warfighters.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced $279.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). This initiative, now in its third year, aims to help state, local, and territorial governments reduce cyber risks and enhance resilience against evolving threats.
The Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $6 million to Carnegie Mellon University to establish a cooperative research center focused on AI capabilities and tools. The center will enhance AI risk management practices and evaluation approaches, aiming to develop metrics and best practices for safe AI systems. This initiative aligns with NIST’s priorities in AI measurement research, fostering a new generation of scientists and engineers in the field.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Commerce have announced a $30 million funding opportunity to establish the Network Coordination Hub, which will manage the National Network for Microelectronics Education. This initiative aims to train skilled workers for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry over the next decade.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced over $9 million in funding and prizes to support Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in advancing clean energy projects and food sovereignty initiatives. This includes the $4.1 million American-Made TCU Energy and Food Sovereignty Nexus Prize for student-led clean energy demonstration projects and $5 million in funding for TCUs to plan their clean energy transitions.
The National Science Foundation and research organizations from Japan, India, and Australia have signed a memorandum to launch the AI-ENGAGE Initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance research partnerships among Quad countries to address critical agricultural technologies and improve food security in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative encourages multilateral proposals from researchers across at least three Quad nations, focusing on innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of a projected 9.7 billion global population by 2050.
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