South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub Receives $19 Million in Funding

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced $19 million in funding for the South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub, a consortium led by Miami-Dade County Innovation and Economic Development Office. This funding is part of the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to advance the region’s global leadership in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Climate resilience is key to a sustainable future.

The South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub is one of 12 hubs across the nation, and its goal is to scale up the production and delivery of critical technologies that will strengthen America’s clean energy transition and national security. FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell emphasized the importance of innovative research in generating cutting-edge technology to solve pressing issues.

“Innovative research that generates cutting-edge technology to solve some of the most pressing issues is the reason why FIU is at the epicenter of the major infrastructure thrust of the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell.

Of the $19 million, $10 million will go to FIU for projects that include technology development and maturation, climate-ready infrastructure innovation center, and industry codes and standards. The university will also provide leadership for the workforce development component of the ClimateReady Tech Hub, which received $6 million in funding.

Sustainable infrastructure is crucial for a resilient future.

The ClimateReady Tech Hub will provide services and mentorship to at least 60 infrastructure innovation startups and small businesses over the next five years. Companies will have access to research and development equipment, fabrication space, deployment opportunities, production facilities, technology testing and validation, and experts in academia and industry.

Climate adaptation is essential for a sustainable future.

Other partners include Titan America, the University of Miami, and the Knight Foundation. The South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub was selected as one of 31 Designated Tech Hubs in regions across the country as part of Phase 1 of the new Tech Hubs Program.

Clean energy is the future of America’s energy transition.

This funding comes on the heels of FIU’s recent designation as one of four Preeminent Research Universities in the State of Florida System, and recent investments from the Department of Commerce announced by FIU and the Florida Congressional Delegation.