This EDA investment supports the heartland robotics cluster, led by the invest nebraska corporation, with strengthening agricultural technology in nebraska by accelerating nebraska's leadership in the…

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $4 million Project Grant to the Invest Nebraska Corporation to support the Heartland Robotics Cluster initiative. The grant is part of EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which provides technical and infrastructure assistance to regions experiencing adverse economic changes.

Through this funding, the Invest Nebraska Corporation will lead efforts to strengthen Nebraska's leadership in the agricultural industry by accelerating the development and adoption of robotic and automation technologies. Key initiatives include expanding the Nebraska Innovation Studio's robotics programming and prototyping capabilities to support innovators across the state. The funding will also support seven additional projects focused on developing robotic curricula, providing workforce training opportunities in rural areas, partnering with private industry on technology commercialization, and establishing manufacturing demonstration spaces. Once completed, these efforts are intended to develop and strengthen industry clusters in the region while creating good-paying jobs and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally in agriculture and food supply chains. Metro Community College was named as a sub-awardee to support project delivery.

This EDA investment supports the heartland robotics cluster, led by the invest nebraska corporation, with strengthening agricultural technology in nebraska by accelerating nebraska's leadership in the agricultural industry through robotic technologies and advanced manufacturing automation while also revitalizing the region's rural labor force and strengthening the nation's food supply chain. The projects funded as part of this award include expansion of the nebraska innovation studio in robotics-specific programming and prototyping equipment, creating an environment for innovators from across the state and from a variety of demographics to develop automation and robotic solutions. The coalition also will implement seven other projects, including robotics curriculum development; workforce outreach to provide rural areas with opportunities to work with cutting edge technology; technology commercialization efforts in partnership with private industry; and manufacturing demonstration spaces to DE-risk adoption of new technologies. Once implemented, the investment will help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters - all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. Competitiveness globally.