Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has announced a $44 million investment in the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub, led by the Southern Research Institute. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) under its Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program. The program aims to boost global competitiveness, support local manufacturing, and create quality jobs across the United States.

“This $44 million for the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub will benefit not just our state but our nation," stated Senator Britt. She emphasized that investing in this Birmingham-based Tech Hub dedicated to the bioeconomy would promote domestic supply chains for critical medicines while fostering innovation that could save lives. "Birmingham is uniquely situated to be a national leader in advancing groundbreaking diagnostics and therapeutics because of our skilled workforce and our state’s pro-jobs environment," she added.

The funding is further supported by additional resources allocated through the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which received backing from Senator Britt.

Birmingham's scientific community is recognized nationally for expertise in oncology, precision medicine, population health, and infectious diseases—key areas for a Tech Hub located in this region. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Tuskegee University are driving biomedical advancements throughout Alabama. The region's research investments rival those of larger metropolitan areas on a per capita basis.

Senator Britt co-authored an article with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, Governor Kay Ivey, and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin advocating for this investment into what they termed as an opportunity for healthcare innovation and enhanced national security.

In addition to public advocacy, Senator Britt wrote a letter supporting EDA’s Tech Hubs Program in Birmingham to Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alejandra Castillo and Regional Director H. Philip Paradice Jr.