Two Oregon State University-led tech hubs left of out of the big money by the Biden administration in early July are getting $500,000 apiece from the federal government to sustain their efforts.
The Corvallis Microfluidics and the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber consortia had been among 31 finalists for awards that ultimately ranged from $19 million to $51 million and went to 12 hubs.
The 19 also-rans are getting half-million-dollar "Consortium Accelerator Awards" that will help them "to continue implementing their strategies, including the pursuit of additional capital," the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration said.
"The Accelerator Award from the EDA is an important boost for CorMic," OSU's Tom Weller, leader of the microfluidics group, said in a written statement. "It allows us to continue moving forward with our plan to expand the global leadership of the Willamette Valley in microfluidics, creating new companies and job opportunities in the region."
Microfluidics involves the use of tiny amounts of fluids to cool microprocessors and power electronics. It's considered a key to furthering computing, biotech, energy and materials, and manufacturing advances. OSU had identified HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) in Corvallis as "the world-leader in semiconductor-driven microfluidic devices," with Intel, Nvidia and Thermo Fisher also playing roles.
The mass timber hub is looking to build on Oregon's and the wider Pacific Northwest's already substantial role in the rise of manufactured wood products as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete in building construction.
Timber group leader Iain Macdonald said the smaller award "will enable us to continue convening our industry across Washington and Oregon and make progress on addressing workforce needs, fiber supply, modular systems development, capital access and innovation support."
The administration's Tech Hubs program was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act. It's intended to add jobs and boost technology innovation in cities beyond the traditional powerhouse tech hubs of Silicon Valley and Boston.
