AMERICAN AEROSPACE MATERIALS MANUFACTURING CENTER
INNOVATION THEME
Growing the Future of Materials Manufacturing
EDA Tech Hubs are sorted into 8 innovation themes; the AAMMC is part of the “Growing the Future of Materials Manufacturing” theme, focused on transforming the future of the aerospace industry by accelerating the adoption of advanced materials on aircraft.
The AAMMC Tech Hub will create a world-class testbed for advancing high-rate manufacturing techniques for next generation aerospace materials and parts.
This tech hub will be located in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region, and is critical to advancing U.S. economic and national security by on-shoring and upscaling manufacturing technologies that support our domestic aircraft supply chain.
Global demand for advanced aerospace composites is surging, with Europe and Asia ahead of the U.S. in research, development, and manufacturing. The center is crucial for the U.S. to regain its position as the world’s top aerospace component supplier.
Spokane Tech Hub Project Goals
The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center will unite education, workforce training, small and medium-sized industry partners, global aerospace leaders, and advanced research institutions. This collaboration will expand knowledge and expertise in advanced composite materials.
AAMMC will accelerate growth of our domestic supply base by:
ESTABLISHING
a testbed facility for large thermoplastic composite (TPC) aerospace materials at Technology Readiness Levels 6-9.
ADVANCING
market-disrupting, high-rate production solutions for next-gen composite aero structures.
EXPEDITING
net-zero carbon emission goals by 2050 for NASA and the aerospace industry.
UPSKILLING
our current workforce in coordination with Tribal Nations and workforce leaders in both Washington and Idaho, focusing on underrepresented communities.
CENTERING
the Inland Northwest as a hub for aerospace suppliers, private investment, new products, and companies in the U.S. aerospace supply chain.
Consortium Members
In August 2023, a consortium of nearly 50 members from the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene region applied to establish the Spokane aerospace tech hub under the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This consortium includes:
A Perfectly Positioned Region
Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Aerospace Corridor
The Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region, at the heart of the I-90 aerospace corridor, boasts 900 aerospace manufacturers within 300 miles, the Spokane International Airport, and a highly educated local population. The cross-state collaboration among consortium members and industry support showcases the region’s readiness for the hub.
Competition Timeline
The two-phase Technology Hubs awards are decided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in coordination with the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the U.S. Department of Commerce CHIPS and Science Act.
Selection is based on: potential of the region for global competitiveness; participation of industry; equity and inclusion; capacity of workforce; “lab to market” products; and overall impact on American economic and national security.
August 9th, 2022
CHIPS and Science Act passed, which designated the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program.
August 22nd, 2022
Senator Maria Cantwell calls on the Spokane area to participate in CHIPS and Science Act funding opportunities to strengthen manufacturing in aerospace and other sectors.
December 30th, 2022
Congress appropriated $500 million for fiscal year 2023 to be used by the EDA to accelerate economic development through the program.
May 13th, 2023
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Regional Tech Hubs Program was announced, with deadline for phase one.
August 14th, 2023
The application for The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub was submitted by the Spokane- Coeur d’Alene Consortium.
August 15th, 2023
Phase one application deadline.
October 23rd, 2023
Designation winners from Phase One were announced, and the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Phase 2 was released.
February 29th, 2024
Phase 2 applications were submitted.
Summer 2024
EDA will select 5-10 winners to receive $40-$70 million dollars per hub. Announcement is expected in summer 2024
Fall 2024
Commerce expects to start distributing funding to the Phase 2 winners announced in Summer 2024.
EDA Update on Tech Hubs Program
This week, EDA updated its website to include broad details about each of the 31 Designees’ proposals. While each Hub’s programs reflect their respective technology
Mayor Lisa Brown Takes Action to Attract Business With Tech Hub Designation, EDA Decision Pending.
On Wednesday, April 10th, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown signed an Executive Order supporting the city’s economic development strategy around the newly designated American Aerospace Materials
AAMMC Submits Phase 2 Application, Seeks $72 Million for Hub
In a significant advancement, the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) has marked another milestone in its journey towards innovation and development. Recognized in October
