Rock Island Today

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced federal funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support local tech-industry partnerships and create jobs. The funding will be used to bring private and public partners together to innovate technologies that are essential to economic and national security. 

“To supercharge our local economies and create good-paying, sustainable jobs that will support Illinois families for generations to come, our communities must innovate to uplift the technologies of the future,” said Sorensen. “Our region is ready to be a player in efforts that protect our national security and grow the economy at the same time.” 

Funding comes from the EDA’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program, which is available to consortia that may include various combinations of academia, private sector, government, federal labs, union organizations, and more. Specific requirements and more information can be found here. If you have questions about whether you are an eligible entity, please contact TechHubs@eda.gov. 

If you would like to request a letter of support, please contact Congressman Sorensen’s Rock Island office at (309) 786-3406. The Tech Hub program was enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

Original source can be found here.