Latest news with #PROPEL
Technical.ly
28-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
EDA Tech Hubs get another shot at funding, thanks to a Trump administration overall that canceled 6 awards
The future of a historic effort to boost local innovation scenes with federal funds will get a defense-friendly overhaul under the Trump administration. Earlier this month, Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he directed the agency to 'revamp' the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Tech Hubs program. In its place, Lutnick pledged a redone version 'to prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer and a fair process.' It also stripped six regions of $210 million in previously awarded funding, which Lutnick said wasn't available anyway. 'The process was rushed, opaque and unfair — administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier,' Lutnick said. Lutnick and the Commerce Department neither elaborated on what flaws they found with the program nor provided any concrete examples. Instead, the EDA plans to open new funding opportunities this summer and announce 'selections' early next year. Lutnick also said that currently designated tech hubs can seek out funding alongside other possible ones. For regions that missed out on past grants, like Philadelphia and Baltimore, the announcement provides a new opportunity to compete for funds. But tech hubs facing the cancellation are now leaning more heavily on local partners to still try to accomplish their missions. The Commerce Department did not immediately return answers to questions about how it determined the process's flaws, including the lack of available funds for the awards the Biden administration gave to hubs in places like Alabama, Washington, Idaho and Vermont. It also did not answer questions about the status of any of the 31 tech hubs the last admin designated in 2023. Shifting priorities doesn't kill faith in PROPEL's mission The Philadelphia region's Tech Hub consortium is excited that the program will continue and that there will be another opportunity to submit their proposal, Tony Green, chief scientific officer for Ben Franklin Technology Partners, told 'EDA's goals for the program and our goals for the PROPEL Hub are in alignment — to bring innovation, manufacturing and jobs back to the US,' he said. Philly's hub is PROPEL: the National Center for Precision Medicine, which focuses on advancing biomanufacturing infrastructure, creating a strong workforce development pipeline, providing resources to local startups, and advancing commercialization and access to precision medicines. The consortium that put together the original $80 million proposal consists of over 100 organizations across southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and southern New Jersey. PROPEL was not selected for phase two funding or for the most recent round in January. However, stakeholders welcomed EDA leaders to Philly last fall to gather feedback and show off the work consortium members were already doing. At the time, Tech Hubs program director Eric Smith told the consortium should focus on refining its vision, emphasizing collaboration and providing more specifics in its proposal. Since then, members have been working to apply those critiques, Green said. 'We are confident we have addressed the important feedback we received from EDA while ensuring consistency with the current Administration's priorities,' Green said. 'In the end, the mission and vision of the Hub has not changed and remains vital to the health and economy of our region and to national security.' Baltimore's bid head evaluates fit under Trump priorities CEO Mark Anthony Thomas of the Greater Baltimore Committee said that his organization, which led the $70 million bid behind The Baltimore Tech Hub, learned about the pivot straight from the Commerce Department about two weeks ago. The agency specifically said that money granted in January would be reallocated; like PROPEL, the region's own biotechnology- and AI-focused project missed out on funding then, as well as the prior July, and also hosted a visit from EDA officials. Thomas saw Lutnick's memo as a positive development and a sign of confidence in the program. 'It's a validation of what created the need for the program, and then the continuation of the program under this administration,' he said. 'Which is a good sign, not even just for Baltimore, but for the overarching future of America's economy.' Going forward, the GBC aims to determine how its various projects, including the Tech Hub, can best align with the Trump administration's priorities for innovation. That will involve seeking out another partner, like it found in Accenture during the phase two process, to help translate the project into that shifted focus. 'What I want is a partner who truly can speak to the way this administration is thinking about economic development and global competitiveness,' he said, 'and help our existing projects and partners align their work with those federal goals and the broader market opportunity.' The region is well-positioned for at least one of the priorities mentioned in Lutnick's memo. The counties under the GBC's purview already boast several major national security assets, too, from a massive cybersecurity industry to defense installations like Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Meade. Despite funding pullback, Vermont's bid moves 'full steam ahead' One Tech Hub impacted by the funding cut, Vermont Gallium Nitride, acknowledged the award pullback with plans to draft a highly competitive proposal for its semiconductor project in the next round of funding. In the meantime, it already has the money and partnerships to continue making progress, according to Douglas Merrill, the University of Vermont's regional innovation officer. 'The Vermont Tech Hub continues to move forward full steam ahead, having attracted over $3.9 million in funding and 60 members and partners to date,' Merrill said. 'A new agreement with the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) will fund a key element of our Tech Hub — a semiconductor test and characterization laboratory, which will be available to Tech Hub and NEMC members by early 2026.' The other five Tech Hubs that lost funding did not immediately respond to request for comment. First round of funded Tech Hubs moves forward as planned For all Tech Hubs that have been awarded funding, the recent announcement has been a time to reflect on the work their doing and push ahead, leaders tell The 12 2024 grant awardees will be able to move forward as planned. Montana's Headwaters Tech Hub, Wisconsin's Biohealth Tech Hub, Tulsa's Tech Hub and South Florida's ClimateReady Tech Hub all confirmed with that they are doing as much. The other eight did not immediately respond to request for comment. 'All Tulsa Tech Hub initiatives are moving ahead as planned and fully funded,' said Hayden Hinchey, senior associate of marketing and communications at Tulsa Innovation Labs. The hub's mission focuses on securing autonomous systems for everything from agriculture to regional transportation. In Wisconsin, the Biohealth Tech Hub will remain focused on 'biohealth innovation that strengthens both our regional economy and national security,' said Rissa Guffey, senior director of marketing and communications at Bio Forward Wisconsin. The Biohealth Tech Hub's EDA webpage does not mention a focus on national security, though Lutnick stated it as a priority in his recent memo. The Headwaters Tech Hub in Montana is using AI and machine learning to build smart sensing systems that can be employed in rugged terrain, precision agriculture and roadway settings. The project was not directly impacted by the recent announcement and continues to maintain strong bipartisan support, according to Tim VanReken, executive director and regional innovation officer at the Headwaters Tech Hub. 'As we move forward, we're going to continue to bring attention to the importance of the technologies we develop in Montana,' he said. 'Highlighting these wins help [sic] highlight our region and the brand of innovation we're building, and our hope [that] it will also bring greater attention and understanding of the catalytic value of the Tech Hub Program investments.'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Univar Solutions Selected as Distributor for Cabot Corporation's Carbon Black Products for Rubber Applications in Brazil
The agreement strengthens Univar Solutions' portfolio of products for high-performance tires and industrial rubber applications SíO PAULO, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Univar Solutions Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced its Ingredients and Specialties (I+S) division has expanded its partnership with Cabot Corporation, a global specialty chemicals and performance materials supplier. The new distribution agreement focuses on Cabot's innovative carbon black products for rubber applications and supports the growing demand for high-performance reinforcing materials in automotive and industrial applications. Furthermore, it complements and strengthens the existing relationship between the two companies, with Univar Solutions distributing Cabot's specialty carbon products for Brazil's plastics and batteries markets. "As we focus on growing our ingredients and specialties business in Latin America, establishing strong partnerships with world-class suppliers is essential for fulfilling our customers' evolving product performance requirements," said Jorge Buckup, president of Latin America for Univar Solutions. "Deepening our existing relationship with Cabot and adding carbon black products for rubber applications underscores our commitment to providing exceptional value and reinforces our dedication to serving customers across the automotive sector and industrial rubber products market." Carbon black is a critical reinforcing agent that provides reinforcement, strength, and wear resistance in tire and industrial rubber applications. Cabot's broad technology portfolio includes ENDURE®, PROPEL®, REGAL®, STERLING®, and VULCAN® carbon blacks for elastomer reinforcement product families. This portfolio helps deliver advanced solutions for customers in a wide range of rubber applications, such as hoses and belts, automotive weather stripping, molded rubber products, and tires. Matthew Oliver, global vice president of Performance Materials for Univar Solutions, stated, "The relationship between Univar Solutions and Cabot continues to grow stronger over the years, and we are eager to see it expand further. Cabot represents a high level of trust and innovation in the carbon black market. With local access to products, a global supply chain network, and the combined technical expertise of both companies, customers in Brazil will benefit from exceptional service and solutions." The I+S portfolio from Univar Solutions—one of the most trusted names in innovation and distribution—offers the essential specialty ingredients needed for brands and manufacturers to develop new and improved products that deliver results for their customers. I+S is backed by our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality, as well as technical support and formulation expertise to help ensure customers and suppliers are equipped to navigate the industry's rapidly changing future with confidence and creativity. Backed by its robust transportation network, global distribution footprint, and supply chain proficiency, Univar Solutions offers a full suite of products, services, and customized solutions. This commitment to excellence is supported by technical expertise found at our global Solution Centers, including regional flagship laboratories located in São Paulo, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico; Houston, Texas; Paris, France; Essen, Germany; and Shanghai, China, delivering innovative solutions to help customers meet the latest market trends. Find out how Univar Solutions and Cabot are working together to increase customer access to specialty carbon black products in Brazil. About Univar SolutionsUnivar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at About Ingredients + Specialties from Univar SolutionsIngredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions brings the best products, people, and results to specialty customers and suppliers seeking to power modern life. By combining science, innovation, and deep expertise with a leading specialty portfolio, we help find the solutions needed to safely improve lives and communities across the globe. Learn more at About Cabot CorporationCabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is a leading provider of reinforcing carbons, specialty carbons, battery materials, engineered elastomer composites, inkjet colorants, masterbatches and conductive compounds, fumed metal oxides and aerogel. For more information on Cabot, please visit the company's website at Forward-Looking Statements and Information This communication contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable law regarding financial and operating items relating to the Company's business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or other comparable terms. All forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by this cautionary language. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, that could result in expectations not being realized or could otherwise materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although the forward-looking statements are based on what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, we caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this communication is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this communication. For additional information regarding factors that could affect the Company, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other financial reports, including the information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors." Any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of the date of this communication and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any subsequent date, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update any forward-looking statement. 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