WASHINGTON – The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it is providing $504 million in implementation grants to a dozen technology centers in Ohio, Montana, Nevada and Florida, as well as other locations.

The money would support the development of quantum computers, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, personalized medicine and other technologies.

The Democratic administration is trying to encourage more technological innovation across the country rather than allowing it to be concentrated in a few metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Seattle, Boston and New York.

“The reality is that there are smart people, great entrepreneurs and leading research institutions all across the country,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a phone call announcing the announcement. “We are leaving so much potential untapped if we don't give them the tools to compete and succeed in the technology sectors that will define the global economy of the 21st century.”

The money comes from the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration. In October 2023, President Joe Biden designated 31 technology centers. Raimondo said the administration is pushing for more funding for the program so that all designated technology centers receive additional resources to remain competitive.

The supported technology centers include:

– $41 million for the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub in Colorado and New Mexico

— $41 million for the Headwaters Hub in Montana

— $51 million for Heartland BioWorks in Indiana

— $51 million for the iFAB Tech Hub in Illinois

– $21 million for the Nevada Tech Hub

— $40 million for the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub in New York

– $44 million for the ReGen Valley Tech Hub in New Hampshire

– $45 million for the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy in South Carolina and Georgia

– $19 million for the South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub

— $51 million for the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub in Ohio

– $51 million for the Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy in Oklahoma

– $51 million for the Wisconsin Biohealth Teach Hub.