NIST awards $30M to MEP centers for AI, robotics adoption

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has distributed more than $30 million to 12 Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers to accelerate advanced technology adoption among small and medium-sized manufacturers, the Commerce Department agency announced Tuesday.

The funding competition selected MEP sites in 11 states and Puerto Rico to provide hands-on assistance with artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and additive manufacturing technologies. Winners must secure matching nonfederal funds of at least 50%, as federal law caps government contributions at half of an MEP center's capital and annual operating budget.

Why it matters

Small and medium manufacturers often lack the capital and expertise to evaluate and deploy emerging technologies that larger competitors use to gain efficiency. The MEP network serves as a bridge, translating advanced manufacturing capabilities into practical implementations for businesses that form the backbone of domestic supply chains. This funding round specifically targets technology gaps that threaten U.S. industrial competitiveness.

Five-year evaluation framework

Selected centers will enter cooperative agreements with NIST for evaluations spanning up to five years. The structure allows NIST and Commerce Department staff direct involvement in protocol development, data collection, and analysis. First-year awards are guaranteed, but subsequent funding depends on performance reviews, budget availability, and alignment with MEP, NIST, and Commerce Department priorities.

NIST Director Arvind Raman said the investment will "help to ensure that our country's small and medium-sized manufacturers increase their industrial competitiveness through advanced technology" and strengthen domestic supply chains around key industry sectors.

Metrics and flagship partnerships

Winning sites must develop technology adoption metrics that will be shared across the entire MEP network, creating standardized measurement frameworks. Centers will also engage with flagship manufacturers in priority sectors each site has identified, building long-term partnerships that demonstrate scalable technology deployment models.

Geographic coverage and future rounds

NIST initially opened applications to Puerto Rico and 13 states, including California and Alaska, but did not select MEP centers in the latter two states. The agency plans to accept applications from Alaska and California in the next competition scheduled for early 2027. NIST did not provide reasons for excluding the two states from this round.

Manufacturing Dive first reported these details.