“Revolutionizing Manufacturing: $160 Million Funding for Circular Economy Technology Hubs Across the U.S. in 2025”
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 is set to provide a significant boost to carbon-reducing circular economy technology and manufacturing hubs across the United States in 2025. With up to $160 million in funding available, the U.S. National Science Foundation has created the “NSF Engines Awards” to distribute the funds to successful applicants early next year. These awards aim to support groundbreaking technologies in various areas such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, while also promoting regional job growth and economic development.
In the initial phase of the awards, one finalist, the Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change Engine (GAME Change) from Kentucky and Tennessee, received $1 million. GAME Change is a collaborative effort between academics, researchers, and industry executives with the goal of identifying wasteful manufacturing practices, improving shipping chains, and fostering innovation in the region. The coalition aims to facilitate the transformation of waste into raw materials, promote the rapid spread of innovations among companies, and support low- and no-carbon startups in the two states.
GAME Change, along with 43 other finalists, will utilize the $1 million awarded to each to develop a comprehensive application for the full $160 million funding. The coalition represents the Southeastern Corridor of the United States, encompassing Kentucky and Tennessee, which is a crucial freight corridor in the country. With major logistics hubs like UPS Worldport in Louisville, DHL and Amazon air hubs, and the FedEx World Hub airport in Memphis, the region plays a significant role in the transportation of goods.
Ian McClure, the director of the GAME Change coalition, emphasized the importance of transforming the freight corridor into a net-zero, circular manufacturing economy. He highlighted the potential for Kentucky and Tennessee to lead in freight tonnage by 2040 and stressed the need for sustainable practices in manufacturing and logistics. To achieve this goal, GAME Change hosted a summit with academic and industry partners to discuss technologies for scaling up closed-loop circular manufacturing.
As the deadline for the full $160 million funding approaches in February 2025, McClure expressed confidence in securing bipartisan support for innovation initiatives. He cited the Americas Act, which aims to fund domestic production and reshoring efforts, as evidence of bipartisan commitment to competing with global players like China. Even if GAME Change does not receive the NSF Engine Award, the coalition plans to launch a membership model to sustain its sustainability efforts and continue driving positive change in the manufacturing sector.
For more information on GAME Change’s plan and initiatives, visit their website at https://gamechangeengine.org/.