On October 23, 2023, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), unveiled a significant initiative aimed at bolstering cybersecurity and secure manufacturing in San Antonio. The announcement centered on a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant, which will be allocated to the Secure Manufacturing in South Texas Strategy Development Consortium, led by the University of Texas at San Antonio's (UTSA) Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The grant's purpose is to enhance local coordination and planning efforts, ultimately fortifying the San Antonio region's ability to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technologies critical to U.S. economic and national security.
The Secure Manufacturing in South Texas Strategy Development Consortium emerged victorious from a fiercely competitive pool of 181 applications, making this funding a notable achievement.
Dr. Cuellar emphasized the transformative potential of the Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant, envisioning South Texas as a burgeoning hub for cybersecurity and technology manufacturing in the United States. He highlighted his role in supporting the CHIPS and Science Act, a legislative move designed to enhance American manufacturing capabilities in emerging industries. Dr. Cuellar also expressed his gratitude to key figures involved in securing the grant, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Economic Development Administration Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, and his fellow members of the San Antonio Congressional delegation.
The Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. This funding stems from the Tech Hubs Program, an initiative authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which seeks to invest in U.S. regions, nurturing them into globally competitive innovation centers.
