Tech Hubs Program Revamp Announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
In May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced a significant revamp of the federal Tech Hubs Program, aiming to enhance national security, project quality, taxpayer benefits, and fairness in the selection process. This initiative aligns with the Technology Resort Initiative proposed by Brian K. Long and his team at Digital Viking, which seeks to revitalize American manufacturing and technological dominance through the establishment of integrated innovation hubs across the country.
Secretary Lutnick’s Tech Hubs Program Revamp
The Tech Hubs Program, established under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, was designed to bolster U.S. economic and national security by commercializing future technologies. To date, it has designated 31 Tech Hubs and awarded $504 million in implementation grants to 12 of them. Recognizing the need for strategic investment, Secretary Lutnick directed the Department of Commerce to revamp the program to prioritize national security, project quality, taxpayer benefits, and fairness. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is set to release a new notice of funding opportunity in the summer of 2025, with selections expected in early 2026. Importantly, previously selected Tech Hubs can compete for funding alongside new applicants.
[Image Source: Department of Commerce Press Release on Tech Hubs ref. U.S. Department of Commerce]
The Technology Resort Initiative by Digital Viking
Concurrently, Brian K. Long and his team at Digital Viking have proposed the Technology Resort Initiative, a visionary plan to establish ten regionally distributed “Technology Resorts” across the United States. These state-of-the-art innovation hubs aim to fuse workforce training, manufacturing revitalization, entertainment, and education, creating a “Live, Learn, Work, Play” ecosystem.
Key components of the initiative include:
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Workforce Training & Recruitment: Each resort will serve as a talent engine for high-paying, skilled trade careers in emerging technologies, offering hands-on programs in advanced manufacturing, AI, and augmented reality.
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Skills Passport Program: A competency-based profile allowing students and job seekers to showcase their real-world skillsets, facilitating efficient employment matching.
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OEM Manufacturer Certification Programs: In collaboration with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the resorts will offer certifications in critical tech manufacturing sectors, ensuring job-ready talent.
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OEM Manufacturing Reindustrialization: By anchoring OEM operations at each resort, the initiative aims to reshore essential industries, including semiconductor production, green energy components, and electronics.
- Programs Designed to Inspire Our Youth: By creating a wide range of opportunities for all ages, with careful consideration paid to our children, these training programs, exhibits, product demonstrations, the learn big environment, as well as special events specifically designed to inspire children, this program take a full spectrum approach at long-term recruitment to the most important aspect to all of this, our children, or as we like to refer to them… our future.
Additionally, the initiative plans to host “United Above All” Entertainment Expo roadshows to unite the American people, raise awareness, and celebrate innovation. These events will feature live music, interactive exhibits, training and recruitment information, and community programs, energizing local economies and sparking national enthusiasm.
Synergy Between Federal and Private Initiatives
The alignment between Secretary Lutnick’s revamped Tech Hubs Program and Digital Viking’s Technology Resort Initiative presents a unique opportunity for public-private collaboration. Both initiatives emphasize the importance of strategic investment in technology and workforce development to strengthen America’s economic and national security.
By integrating the comprehensive approach of the Technology Resort Initiative with the federal support and oversight of the Tech Hubs Program, the United States can accelerate its efforts to regain dominance in the semiconductor and technology industries. This collaboration could lead to the creation of robust innovation ecosystems, fostering economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
Potential Positive Outcomes
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Economic Revitalization: The establishment of Technology Resorts can stimulate local economies, create high-paying jobs, and attract investment in underserved regions.
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Workforce Development: Comprehensive training programs and certifications will equip workers with in-demand skills, addressing the talent gap in critical tech sectors.
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Technological Advancement: By fostering innovation and supporting OEM operations, the initiatives can accelerate the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies.
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National Security: Reshoring essential industries and enhancing domestic production capabilities will reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, strengthening national security.
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Global Competitiveness: Through strategic investment and collaboration, the United States can reassert its leadership in the global technology landscape.
Conclusion
The convergence of federal and private initiatives, as exemplified by Secretary Lutnick’s Tech Hubs Program and Digital Viking’s Technology Resort Initiative, represents a strategic approach to revitalizing America’s technological and manufacturing capabilities. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and workforce development, these efforts can pave the way for a new era of American excellence in the semiconductor and technology industries.
For more information on the Technology Resort Initiative, visit: