Innovation

FDIC: FDITECH Tech Sprint to Reach More Unbanked People Launched

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced a ‘tech sprint’ designed to explore new technologies and techniques that would help expand the capabilities of banks to meet the needs of unbanked individuals and households.  The FDIC‘s tech lab, FDITECH, is launching a first-of-its-kind tech sprint by challenging participants to identify better resources and tools to help…

EDA: $754,840 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Support Medical Technology Innovators in Southeast Michigan

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $754,840 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park, Detroit, Michigan, to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the region’s medical and manufacturing sectors. This EDA grant, to be matched with $249,900 in local investment, is expected…

SBA: 6th Annual Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Launched Including Debut of SBIR Catalyst Awards of Over $5 Million in Prizes

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced its 6th Annual Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) with the addition of a new component aimed at spurring investment in underrepresented communities within the innovation economy at scale. The 2021 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Catalyst programs will recognize the nation’s most innovative organizations with inclusive…

EDA: $12.8 Million Invested to Establish the Marine Business, Research & Innovation Center in Cieba, Puerto Rico

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $12.8 million grant to Local Redevelopment Authority for Roosevelt Roads, San Juan, Puerto Rico, to construct and establish the Marine Business, Research & Innovation Center (MBRIC). This EDA grant, to be matched with $3.2 million in…

SBA: Millennium Challenge Corporation and SBA Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Emerging Technologies from Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration and The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to advance emerging technologies and innovations developed through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. The SBA/MCC partnership will identify, pilot, and scale innovative technologies to address country-specific needs in sectors such as renewable energy,…

Agencies Extend Comment Period on Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence

Five federal financial regulatory agencies announced today they will extend the comment period on the request for information on financial institutions’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) until July 1, 2021. The agencies are seeking information from the public on how financial institutions use AI in their activities, including fraud prevention, personalization of customer services, credit…

Census Bureau: COVID-19 TOPx Solutions Virtual Showcase Scheduled for May 25th

This virtual event will showcase digital products created through the COVID-19 TOPx Technology Development Sprint with input from leading government and industry experts. TOPx, modeled on The Opportunity Project (TOP), is an innovation program led by Census Open Innovation Labs at the U.S. Census Bureau. Through technology development sprints, TOPx engages government, technology experts and communities to co-create digital products for the public…

FDIC: FDiTech Announces New Deputy Director of Office of Innovation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today announced the appointment of Zunera Mazhar as Deputy Director of the agency’s Office of Innovation. Ms. Mazhar will guide the agency’s work to promote the adoption of innovative technologies within the FDIC and across the financial services sector. “I am extremely excited that Zunera will be joining our…

FDIC: FDiTech to Host Virtual Office Hours on Banking-Related Innovation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today announced that it will host a series of virtual ‘office hours’ to hear directly from a range of stakeholders regarding current and evolving technological innovations in the business of banking.   Hosted by the FDIC’s tech lab, FDiTech, and FDIC Chief Innovation Officer Sultan Meghji, these hour-long, one-on-one sessions will…

SBA: First-of-its-Kind Technology Initiative for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Announced

Point-of-sale service providers will support eligible restaurant owners with innovative technology solutions The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the first round of technology partners participating in a new initiative for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) – a program that will allow eligible restaurants and other food establishments to access the RRF application or data they need…