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Jordan Valley Innovation Center launches second Call for Projects for the Advanced Manufacturing Node

Proposals accepted through Jan. 10, 2025.

Through the first round of the Advanced Manufacturing Node, the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) at Missouri State University invested in seven projects that would enhance Missouri’s semiconductor industry and the creation of essential technology. Now, JVIC has opened a second Call for Projects.

This is a result of JVIC receiving $5.4 million from the Missouri Department of Economic Development as appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly.

The competitive grants will be awarded to private sector projects that will focus on technology, infrastructure or workforce development to support and grow the semiconductor industry sector in Missouri.

“We’re thrilled to be able to conduct the second Call for Projects and look forward to partnering with the private sector to deliver grant funding that will continue to focus on advanced technology development that will grow the semiconductor industry,” said Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development and director of JVIC at MSU.

JVIC is the Missouri NextFlex Node

NextFlex, a leading member of Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes that focuses on semiconductors and flexible hybrid electronics, approved the Missouri Node at JVIC in August 2022. This approval allows JVIC to increase the volume, pace and coordination of the development of flexible hybrid electronics and other semiconductor technologies.

It also gives JVIC access to greater resources due to the Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute’s partnerships and connections to:

  • The Advanced Manufacturing National Program office.
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • The Department of Defense.
  • The Department of Energy.
  • NASA.
  • The National Science Foundation.
  • The Department of Education.
  • The Department of Agriculture.
  • The Department of Health and Humans Services.
  • The Department of Labor.

By design, Nodes foster collaboration with and among private businesses. It provides access to facilities, equipment and infrastructure to speed up the process from design to manufacturing.

“The Node at JVIC addresses national security concerns and supply chain issues by advancing technology innovation and manufacturing in the semiconductor industry,” said Kunkel.