Danny Connolly and Theodora Koulouvaris

2 hours ago

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – A technology center at the University of Illinois received a multi-million dollar grant from the federal government.

The White House announced Tuesday that 12 tech hubs across the country will receive $504 million from the Economic Development Administration, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's iFAB Tech Hub, which will receive $51 million. The money comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, which allocates $10 billion over five years to the EDA.

“Today’s announcement that the Department of Commerce is investing $504 million in Regional
“Technology and innovation centers across the country will ensure that the benefits of the industries of the future – from artificial intelligence and clean energy to biotechnology and more – are shared with communities that have been overlooked for far too long, including rural, tribal, industrialized and disadvantaged communities,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in a press release.

The EDA selected the iFab Tech Hub as one of 31 regional technology centers in November.

iFAB is working to improve domestic organic production by increasing capacity and developing new bio-based products. The technology center is also working to improve the agricultural workforce in central Illinois.

Heads of state celebrate iFAB's selection for funding.

“I am thrilled that iFAB will receive this important Tech Hub funding that will enable innovation, investment and job creation for years to come,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “Illinois is already a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and technology, making our state well positioned for these Tech Hub designations. I was proud to help pass the CHIPS and Science Act, and I am thrilled that with programs like iFAB, we are making it clear that our state has the projects and innovations to leverage the act's new investments and lead our state, nation and world into the future.”

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, whose district includes the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, echoed this sentiment.

“The $51 million federal investment in the iFAB Tech Hub is a game-changer for Central Illinois,” said Democratic Congresswoman Budzinski. “For years, our region has been a leader in groundbreaking agricultural research. The funding announced today will build on that foundation with explosive economic growth and place Decatur, Monticello and Champaign at the center of a booming bioeconomy.”

For more information about the federal government's Tech Hubs program, visit the EDA website. Research and other information about iFAB can be found on the University of Illinois website.