State Manufacturing Leadership Program

In the first phase, DOE awarded 12 projects for states to expand or create programs that will ultimately support over 3,500 SMMs in implementing smart manufacturing technologies and practices, including accessing high-performance computing resources. Learn more about these 12 projects here.

In addition to working with state and local governments to enhance battery collection, DOE is partnering with states to modernize the domestic manufacturing sector by enhancing access to cutting edge technologies. This funding opportunity includes $22 million towards the second phase of the $50 million total State Manufacturing Leadership Program. DOE seeks applications that facilitate SMM access to resources such as technical assistance, training, facility assessments, apprenticeships, and direct financial assistance to implement smart manufacturing improvements. Competitive funding awards of up to $2 million per project to state entities will be made over an up-to three-year period. Applicants will be required to provide a cost share of at least 23.1% of the award.

In November 2024, DOE announced the selection of five states for award negotiation to receive $9.3 million to establish or expand programs that accelerate adoption of smart manufacturing and high-performance computing technologies by SMMs. These selections will give SMMs access to beneficial resources such as technical assistance, training, facility assessments, apprenticeships, and financial assistance. The first round of selections under the State Manufacturing Leadership Program were announced on September 27, 2023. 

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced nearly $13 million in funding available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, as well as state-funded universities and technical and community colleges, to ensure that smart manufacturing technologies and high-performance computing (HPC) resources are accessible to domestic manufacturing firms.

With this third round, DOE aims to further expand state-led support to reach even more SMMs. In addition to all U.S. states, including Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories, this funding is also available to state-funded universities and technical and community colleges, which play a critical role in preparing our workforce for careers in manufacturing. Through degree and certification programs for students and incumbent workers or through technical assistance provided directly to SMMs, these schools are well positioned to advance the domestic manufacturing workforce and better prepare them to leverage cutting-edge smart manufacturing technologies across our industrial base.