Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced the state will invest another $2 million in the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in Iowa’s largest industry, a news release said.

The program helps small to midsize Iowa manufacturers invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies with grant funding made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The program offers two grant opportunities to prioritize both the equipment and connectivity with the advanced technology for manufacturers with three to 150 employees.

• 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 or software in Industry 4.0 technology groups.

Applications will open on March 1, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are allocated. More information on the program can be found on the Iowa Manufacturing 4.0 website.