Authored By Jeff Bathurst | Director, Technology Advisory, SC&H Group
Many manufacturers lack the time and resources to implement the technology upgrades they need to stay competitive. Until now. On May 8, 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill approving the Industry 4.0 Technology Grant Program and Fund (TGF) to help small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) Maryland-based manufacturers invest in Industry 4.0 technology and drive competitive growth in a globalized market.
The program will allocate $1 million in funds in fiscal years 2024 through 2028. While this grant pool remains the same as the pilot program, the awards are much larger for awardees—at least $25,000 and up to $500,000—which means the competition will be much fiercer.
Application Timeline and Rules of Engagement
Our contact at the Department of Commerce has provided us with early access to the following information:
- July 1, 2023: The application and rules of engagement will be released to the public.
- July-August 2023: The Department of Commerce will tentatively begin accepting submissions (check back for an updated timeline).
- October 2023: The final application deadline will likely be in mid-October, the exact date is pending.
- December 31, 2023: Awards will have been announced.
Grants will be awarded based on a company’s ability to craft an actionable implementation plan, show a commitment to Industry 4.0 technology, and clearly articulate the positive impact of the proposed project. Building a detailed proposal of this scale requires significant time and resources. If you’re interested in pursuing this grant, the clock is already ticking.
Click here for the full article and how to apply!
