91��Ƭ

: Following a federal funding opportunity, Commerce announced a proposed $285 million award for a new SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) 91��Ƭ institute headquartered in Durham, NC.

: NIST also announced an additional funding opportunity for an institute competition focused on AI for Resilient Manufacturing with an award expected next year.

The 91��Ƭ Institute Model: The two new institutes will join an existing network of 17 91��Ƭ institutes. Learn how institute consortia are formed and the value these public-private partnerships provide members.

During the year, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the legislation that established 91��Ƭ. LIFT and MxD were honored with a congressional reception, ITIF hosted a special congressional briefing, the network’s top impact areas from the past decade were commemorated in a new web story, and SME published “.”

To celebrate 91��Ƭ's 10th anniversary, we are happy to share a new video with testimonials from institutes and their members about the impact of the 91��Ƭ network and nods to an even stronger future as we tackle opportunities in advanced manufacturing for manufacturers, workers, and the nation.

The Modern Makers program showcases individuals whose sense of purpose reflects 91��Ƭ's mission to ensure the future of U.S. manufacturing through innovation, education, and collaboration. This year, 27 individuals sharing their career pathways and stories to inspire the future of advanced manufacturing talent.

Enjoy these stories which highlight the network’s strategic impacts in 2024:

• Building an Inclusive Talent Pipeline
• How 91��Ƭ Institutes Innovate + Reduce IP Risks with Pre-Competitive Collaboration
• Reimagining Industrial Energy Use with Digital Technology
• Institutes Play Increasing Role in Driving Economic Impact

With over 70 participants from the network, 91��Ƭ joined more than 89,000 registrants to learn the latest in manufacturing technology at IMTS 2024. Network representatives spoke on show stages, connected with attendees in an exhibit booth, and inspired young learners in the Smartforce Student Summit.

91��Ƭ presented its first session at the renowned SXSW conference, “Reimaging Energy Use with Digital Technologies”. The session featured speakers from REMADE, IACMI, CESMII, and NextFlex and explored how digital technologies can enable companies to reimagine manufacturing processes and products. We’re thrilled that another session, , was selected for next year!

The network exhibited at both the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills and High Impact Technology Exchange () conferences this year to help connect Institute programs to both educators and potential workers. In addition to exhibiting, education and workforce development (EWD) network leaders presented during five conference sessions that discussed career pathways in advanced manufacturing at HI-TEC.

91��Ƭ is proud to host an interactive map, EWD Connect, which highlights education and workforce-related programs offered by the institutes. You can search by audience group, category, or even technology focus area. Programs for educators, webinars, manufacturers, students, and those seeking training are examples of what is included.

This new video, Unlocking Opportunities: The New Frontier of U.S. Manufacturing Careers, shows the variety of careers and pathways into advanced manufacturing.