NIST opens competition to establish 14 manufacturing extension centers across 14 states and Puerto Rico
Applications close Aug. 21 for funding to run Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers helping small and medium manufacturers adopt robotics, AI and other advanced production technologies.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership program announced a funding opportunity on July 22, 2026 to establish 14 MEP centers, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 21, 2026. Areas to be served by the centers include Puerto Rico along with Vermont, Utah, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Montana, Missouri, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Georgia, California, Arkansas, Alaska and Alabama.
The purpose is to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, which NIST described as the application of robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing and biotechnology on the factory floor. The program also aims to expand production capacity, support supply chain integration and develop the manufacturing workforce.
According to NIST, 98% of the US manufacturing base is made up of small and medium-sized manufacturers, and the national MEP network comprises roughly 1,400 advisors and experts working from more than 450 service locations. Applicants must provide non-federal matching funds of at least 50%, and selected organizations will enter into cooperative agreements with NIST to operate the centers.
Details of the notice are posted on Grants.gov and the NIST MEP website, and the agency scheduled an informational webinar for 1 p.m. Eastern time on July 28, 2026. NIST Director Arvind Raman commented on the announcement.