Call for Projects: JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node (US)

The Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) at Missouri State University is a unique innovation center model that focuses on partnering with private sector businesses to create and advance new technologies. The JVIC, with private sector partners, is a leading force in technology development focused on collaborative cutting‐edge research and development in nanotechnology, materials and other advanced technologies including semiconductor packaging and flexible electronics.

The JVIC has a long history of collaborating with private sector companies, Department of Defense agencies, and other federal and state agencies to develop and accelerate technology development and manufacturing. In 2023, the JVIC established the Advanced Manufacturing Node and a statewide consortium to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing industry in Missouri. As part of this effort, the JVIC has been approved as the Missouri Node for NextFlex, a leading member of the Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes focused on Semiconductors and Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE).

The Node aims to foster collaboration with and among private businesses by providing investments in infrastructure for the rapid design, development and manufacturing adoption. National security and supply chain initiatives are addressed by facilitating technology innovation, accelerating the development of the manufacturing workforce, and promoting a much needed, sustainable advanced manufacturing ecosystem within the U.S.

Goals

• The JVIC recently received funding from the Missouri Department of Economic Development as appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly. This purpose of this funding is to support the JVIC Advanced Manufacturing Node by investing in competitive private sector projects that focus on technology, infrastructure and/or workforce development to support and grow the semiconductor industry sector in Missouri.  The JVIC has $4,000,000 available to invest in projects with this funding.

Funding Information

• The proposal may not request more than $1,000,000 in grant funds.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Applicant Organization must be a private company located in Missouri, a division of a private company located in Missouri, or a private company located outside of Missouri, which is collaborating with a Missouri organization on a project to advance existing technologies or create new technologies to support the semiconductor industry in Missouri.

Evaluation Criteria 

• The Call for Project Grant Proposals submitted by eligible Applicant Organizations will be evaluated based on the five criteria outlined below:
  • Alignment with Goals and Objectives:  Proposals should clearly articulate the details of the project technology, infrastructure and/or workforce development and how the project will advance the semiconductor industry in Missouri. The assigned score will reflect the scope and goals of the project.
  • Applicant Experience: Proposals will be assessed on the relative strength of the Applicant Organization’s experience and prior success, including the management team of the Applicant Organization and the management teams of all partners involved. The assigned score will reflect the strength of the team’s experience and ability to achieve the outcomes described in the project proposal, as well as working with the JVIC as a corporate affiliate.
  • Advantage & Economic Impact: Proposals will be assessed on the relative strength of the Applicant Organization’s current and future economic ties to the state of Missouri and the proposed economic impact of the project within the state of Missouri, and its impact on the semiconductor industry.
  • Timeline & Milestones: Grant proposals will be assessed on the appropriateness of the timeline and milestones presented for the proposed project. The assigned score will reflect the appropriateness of the proposed timeline (funding must be utilized and project completed by June 1, 2026), and proposals that have clearly defined achievable milestones will score the highest. No project activities may extend beyond June 1, 2026 and no project extension will be provided.
  • Finance Plan & Sustainability:  Grant proposals will be assessed on the relative strength of the Applicant Organization’s proposed budget and the financial sustainability of the project.  The assigned score will reflect the appropriateness of the budget, the amount of the matching funds presented relative to the funds requested, and the strength of matching funds (secured, cash vs. in kind).  Proposals with a higher percentage cash match and total match will score the highest.

For more information, visit JVIC.