Project Grant 057906228

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.