Critical Tech - China and Rare Earths, New Adv Mfg Facility, Regional Innovation

This week’s highlights feature breakthroughs in AI, quantum tech, aerospace, and clean energy along with new investments powering U.S. defense manufacturing, workforce development, and infrastructure.

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This Week's Highlights

 China Is Choking the Supply of Rare Earths to Western Defense Industries- WSJ

China’s export restrictions on rare earths, germanium, gallium, and antimony are causing major delays and soaring costs for Western defense suppliers.

Tailored Mineral Policies: Copper Tariffs Versus Rare Earth Strategy

Contrasting Trump-era copper tariffs with targeted rare-earth investments underscores the need for supply chain–specific policy tools.

Apple to Announce $100B Further Commitment for U.S. Manufacturing

The new American Manufacturing Program includes rare-earth magnets, glass production, and semiconductors—and aims to create over 20,000 U.S. jobs. 

USINDOPACOM Launches ‘The Forge’ Advanced Manufacturing Facility

The new Hawaii-based hub accelerates prototyping and parts production to enhance readiness and supply chain resilience across the Indo‑Pacific.

AFRL Awards $150M Contract for Cross-Domain Tech

Owl Cyber Defense will deliver upgraded voice, video, and full-motion cross-domain solutions under an AFRL SBIR agreement.

Regional Innovation

ASU, University of Michigan Launch Manufacturing Research Center

The NSF-backed consortium will tackle digital twin integration, scalability, and workforce training for smarter, reusable manufacturing infrastructure.

 Feds Offering $103M of State, Local, Tribal Cyber Funding

$103.8 million in DHS funding is now available to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities for state, local, and tribal jurisdictions.

Advanced Manufacturing Expo returns to Grand Rapids, MI

This free, two-day event showcases robotics, automation, metalworking, and Industry 4.0 solutions for industry professionals.

Raven Space Systems Establishes HQ, Factory in Colorado

The startup relocates to Broomfield, creating 392 high-paying jobs while leveraging patented MAD 3D printing in aerospace composites.

Insights from PSF Sprints and Analyses

PSF Dashboard: Regional Innovation Ecosystem Dashboard

We’re excited to share the Public Spend Forum Regional Innovation Ecosystem Dashboard, built from over nine months of analysis and years of data collection Our goal is to highlight emerging centers of innovation, by tech area and by region, so we can better align funding, drive collaboration, and accelerate place-based as well as overall innovation.

There's a lot more to uncover. You can access the Public Innovation Ecosystem Dashboard to see more information.

Tech Sector Updates

NASA Offers Industry Access to Unique Technology And Resources

The Space Tech Mission Directorate’s ACO program enables companies to partner with NASA—tapping into world-class expertise, facilities, and hardware.

Army’s Project Flytrap Supports U.S. Drone Dominance

This counter-drone exercise tests layered command, mobile sensors, and C-UAS integration to advance Hegseth’s drone strategy.

DoD Prototypes Expeditionary Hydrogen Generator for Tactical Use

The Defense Innovation Unit selects Pratt Miller to build a containerized hydrogen generator for use aboard ships and at remote sites.

Army Tests Spectrum Awareness Tool to Detect Emissions

The Spectrum Situational Awareness System helps soldiers locate threat signals, monitor friendly emissions, and enhance force protection.

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