Louisiana Economic Development (LED) announced Friday that the state has received a confirmed $1,537,719 federal award for the first year of a manufacturing‑technology initiative. The funding comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.
Projected federal support and total investment
LED projects that the program could attract roughly $7.5 million in federal dollars over the next five years, which would push total investment past $15 million once state and private partner contributions are added. The $7.5 million figure is a projection based on continued annual appropriations and satisfactory performance reviews.
State match and partner commitments
The federal award requires a non‑federal match of at least 50 % of total project costs. LED said the match may include cash and eligible in‑kind contributions, but the exact state share and partner commitments have not yet been finalized. The agency will not release preliminary figures or identify individual partners until the cooperative agreement with NIST is completed.
Program administration and goals
Louisiana Innovation, a division of LED, will serve as the state’s designated MEP Center. The expanded Louisiana Innovation Labs network is designed to help small and midsized manufacturers adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology.
The program targets key sectors including energy and process industries, agribusiness, aerospace and defense, life sciences, and logistics. Expected participants include the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana Central.
Benefits for local manufacturers
Companies that join the program can receive technology‑upgrade assessments, technical assistance, workforce training, and guidance on financing options. LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said the initiative is intended to give Louisiana manufacturers the expertise and tools needed to modernize operations and remain competitive.
The cooperative agreement is expected to run for up to five years, but funding beyond the first year is contingent on future federal appropriations and performance outcomes.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
