What is the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program?

The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Gov. Reynolds announced that an additional $2,000,000 of the funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) have been invested in the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program. The program is intended to help small- and mid-size Iowa manufacturers invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies. This funding is in addition to the over $7,000,000 of grants awarded in the first cycle of applications. 

The program offers two different grant opportunities to prioritize both the advanced manufacturing equipment and required connectivity for manufacturers with 3-150 employees, as follows: 

• The manufacturing innovation equipment grant awards up to $50,000 for the purchase of machinery and specialized equipment to improve operations. 
• The manufacturing industrial internet of things (IIoT) infrastructure investment grant awards up to $25,000 for the purchase of specialized hardware of software in Industry 4.0 technology groups. 

Companies can apply for both grants (totaling $75,000) over the life of the business and must match the grant 1:1. Prior to applying, manufacturers must complete an Industry 4.0 assessment provided by Iowa State’s CIRAS program to determine need and readiness. 

Applications will be accepted starting March 1, 2023, and continue on a rolling basis until all of the funds are allocated. Application forms and more details can be found at the Iowa Manufacturing 4.0 website: https://www.iowamfg.com/technology-investment-program/ or by contacting your BrownWinick attorney. 

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