Birmingham earns federal Tech Hub designation, one of 31 in the U.S.

The Birmingham metro area was designated a federal Tech Hub today under a new program that could ultimately inject $75 million into the local economy.

31 Tech Hubs chosen — Birmingham wins highly competitive process

The Magic City is one of 31 communities chosen nationwide by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the agency’s  Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program. According to a local news release announcing the designation the program was created as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which authorized $10 billion over five years. Some of the program goals include:

• Strengthening regional innovation
• Catalyzing job creation 
• Help cities build capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy new technologies

Nearly 200 communities competed for the designation.

“Just to make it to this stage is a huge honor. It’s a recognition of the great work that is already being done in Birmingham and the strength of our public-private partners that are working together to expand our biotech footprint and maximize our economic impact for the state as a whole.”

Josh Carpenter, CEO of Southern Research

Birmingham Tech Hub partnership – a difference maker

In total, 23 national, state and local entities were a part of the Birmingham Tech Hub application. 

Here is the partnership list:

• AIDT (Alabama Industrial Development Training)
• Acclinate
• Alabama State University
• Avanti Polar Lipids
• Bio Alabama
• Birmingham Promise
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
• Central Six Alabama Works!
• City of Birmingham
• Corporate Realty
• Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
• Evonik
• In8bio
• Innovate Alabama
• Innovation Depot
• Lawson State Community College
• Miles College
• Patient Square Capital
• Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
• Southern Research
• TechBirmingham
• Tuskegee University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham  

Tech Hub focus: AI & biotech

Birmingham’s application focused on the technology areas of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Through the consortium our community now advances to a second round of selections. Five to 10 Hubs will ultimately be chosen by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to receive significant investment to bolster innovation and create jobs. 

“This designation is a recognition of what Birmingham has become and what it has the chance to become in the years and decades ahead. We live in a great city, and we are fortunate to have great leaders who have the foresight to see opportunities and the determination to make the most of them.”

Mayor Randall Woodfin

Southern Research’s Carpenter best described why Birmingham is uniquely qualified to be as one of the final Tech Hubs.

“We are sitting at the crux of some of the biggest healthcare challenges and some of the most promising biotech advances. We are in a better position than anyone to bridge those gaps and become a world leader in innovative solutions that will improve healthcare for all.”

Josh Carpenter, CEO of Southern Research

Stay tuned Birmingham

Follow Bham Now in the coming months to see if Birmingham and the partnership become Tech Hub finalists. Earning the new Tech Hub  designation is a game changer. We look forward to the final round in the coming months.