NIST Competition Seeks to Create New AI-Focused Institute in Manufacturing USA Network

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology is launching a competition to create an Artificial Intelligence for Resilient Manufacturing Institute under the Manufacturing USA network.

Formed in 2014 with an initial eight institutes, Manufacturing USA has grown to 17 institutes in its national network to date. Some $70 million in funding is expected for the network’s new AI institute over five years, plus counterpart contributions from private and nonfederal donors, the NIST said Tuesday.

The agency plans two stages to screen applicants to the AI Resilient Manufacturing Institute competition seeking concepts for impactful collaborations among industry, academia, national laboratories and state and local government bodies.

According to the NIST competition’s webpage, the agency will evaluate concept papers in the first stage, and invitations for full proposals will be extended in the second phase to applicants with the most promising concepts. A lead applicant can submit only one concept paper, but entities may join as partners on several proposals.

The NIST envisions the AI institute to focus on launching research and development initiatives, creating employer-led partnerships and building workforce pathways to drive innovation to industry practice. 

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo sees the AI-focused institute as an extension of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to reinvigorate American manufacturing and investments in innovation. 

Laurie Locascio, Commerce undersecretary for standards and technology and NIST director, said the new institute will help U.S. manufacturers harness AI’s maximum potential to improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chains.

On March 21, join the Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual AI Summit, where federal leaders and industry experts converge to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence.