WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced that the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub supported by Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) has been selected to receive $38 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs Program. The investment will strengthen Missouri’s ability to convert locally sourced minerals into critical materials essential for advanced manufacturing, reinforcing America’s domestic supply chains and national security. This project will lead to $38 billion in economic development and over 23,000 jobs in the state of Missouri. Senator Schmitt led members of the Missouri delegation in a letter of support for this award.
“I’m proud to see investment pouring into Missouri to drive our advanced manufacturing and critical minerals industry forward. Establishing strong tech hubs across our state will strengthen our domestic supply chains, drive innovation, and create high-paying jobs for Missourians, and I’m excited to see this program implemented and watch it grow into another Missouri success story,” said Senator Schmitt.
The Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub is one of just six Tech Hubs nationwide selected to receive funding through the latest round of the EDA’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program. The investment will help expand the region’s ability to process and manufacture critical materials needed for advanced manufacturing technologies while strengthening America’s economic competitiveness and national security.
The $38 million investment will:
- Expand Missouri’s capacity to process locally sourced critical minerals into advanced materials.
- Strengthen domestic supply chains for industries essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security.
- Accelerate innovation in advanced manufacturing and critical materials technologies.
- Support workforce development and create high-paying jobs across Missouri.
- Position Missouri as a national hub for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
The Tech Hubs Program is a key component of the Administration’s efforts to strengthen American manufacturing by investing in regions with the talent, infrastructure, and industry partnerships necessary to lead the next generation of critical technologies. The program is designed to enhance domestic production, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and ensure the United States remains globally competitive.