NIST Announces Open Competition for AI-Focused Manufacturing USA Institute

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce has launched an open competition for a new Manufacturing USA institute dedicated to enhancing the resilience of U.S. manufacturers using artificial intelligence (AI). 

Manufacturing USA is a nationwide consortium of institutes that converge individuals, ideas, and technology to address complex challenges in advanced manufacturing.

The funding opportunity anticipates up to $70 million to be disbursed over five years, contingent upon federal funding availability, to support the establishment and operation of the new institute.

“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. 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,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.

This competition will have a two-stage application process. Concept papers 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.

The deadline for submitting concept papers is Sept. 30, 2024. Additional deadlines and other important dates are listed in the notice on Grants.gov.

The new Manufacturing USA institute will be expected to develop cost-effective, AI-based advanced manufacturing capabilities by collaborating with industry, academia, and government. 

This collaborative effort between the public and private sectors will leverage AI expertise alongside manufacturing and supply chain networks to enhance resilience in manufacturing. Proposals may span across multiple industrial sectors or concentrate on a single sector.