ALBANY, N.Y. – U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer introduced the $100 billion Endless Frontier Act Thursday, an initiative that supports innovation in technology, at places like the Griffiss drone test site in Rome and the Cree facility under construction in Marcy.
“This bill treats scientific research as a national security priority, will fund critical research and development, and invest in New York’s tremendous potential to lead industries of the future, creating new jobs, business growth, and community revitalization across the state,” he said.
The bill would provide critical federal funding to technology hubs in upstate New York, including the Mohawk Valley, to support research and development in science and technology industries.
“As the Endless Frontier Act proposes billions of dollars to ensure American leadership in the industries of the future, there is no better place to reap the benefits of that investment than the Mohawk Valley.
“From Cree’s high-tech semiconductor factory in Marcy, to AFRL’s quantum computing ‘Open Innovation Center’ and the Griffiss UAS Test Site’s ‘Skydome,’ the Mohawk Valley is already playing a critical role in the race to develop key technologies and this legislation can only fuel that growth,” he said.
Schumer says the bill is also intended to revitalize New York’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic.
The Endless Frontier Act also expands the National Science Foundation, to be renamed the National Science and Technology Foundation, and includes a Technology Directorate, or executive board, to pursue the advancement of technology.
The Technology Directorate would receive $100 billion over five years to lead investment and research in artificial intelligence and machine learning; high performance computing; robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing; quantum computing; cybersecurity; biotechnology; semiconductors; and more.
An additional $10 billion would be distributed to at least 10 regional technology hubs, awarding funds for initiatives for the research, development, and manufacturing of key technologies.
To read the full Endless Frontier Act, click here.
