Grant Opportunities
Manufacturing Innovation Equipment Grants – Eligible companies can apply for grants up to $50,000 for the purchase of specialized equipment aimed at helping manufacturers increase productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
Eligible projects include:
- Machinery acquisition, such as a 3D printer
- Specialized equipment for automation, such as collaborative robotics
- Advanced and autonomous robotics
- Equipment for process improvements
Manufacturing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Infrastructure Investment Grants – Eligible companies can apply for grants up to $25,000 for the purchase of specialized hardware or software in the Industry 4.0 technology groups.
To qualify must have fewer than 75 FTEs, NAICS Code 31-33, One to One Cash Match, Manufacturing 4.0 Assessment from CIRAS, and can apply for both programs.
Eligible projects include:
- IIoT infrastructure hardware, such as enhanced server equipment to enable more cloud computing
- Cybersecurity software
- Predictive maintenance software
- Sensor integration into industrial tools and shop floor machinery to determine wear or flaws
- Industrial wearable technology integration to prevent injury
- Data analytics software/engineering
- Data visualization software
- Augmented reality equipment
- Sensor-driven transmission of real-time information from factory-floor to customers or suppliers
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging software and equipment to track inventory
Companies can apply for a combined amount of $75,000 between the two grants over the lifetime of the business and a 1:1 match is required for each grant submitted. Prior to applying, an Industry 4.0 assessment provided by the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) will be required and must be submitted with the application (click here to schedule). The application window is open on a continuous basis until funds are depleted.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited manufacturers who:
- Are incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa,
- Employ a minimum of 76 employees and fewer than 250 full-time individuals across all locations.
- Gain at least 51% of their revenue from the sale of manufactured goods
- Have been in operation for at least three years
- Have NAICS codes falling between 31 and 33; and
- Demonstrate negative economic impacts due to COVID-19
The Manufacturing 4.0 Workforce Innovation Grants will be awarded to applicants that indicate the intent to purchase technology including software, hardware, equipment, training materials, licenses or any other necessary tool or equipment to implement innovative technology within a facility to address workforce burnout, improve retention and grow the workforce, and implement effective pivots in business processes in an effort to help recover from business hardships exacerbated by COVID-19. Training employees is not an applicable usage of funds.