Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
Introduced
Summary
regional defense technology hubs would be created to speed development and fielding of emerging military technologies and to build local talent and industrial capacity. The plan links Defense Department labs, universities, industry, and local governments while imposing security and intellectual property rules to protect sensitive work.
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- Workers and students: Creates local training pipelines and partnerships with research universities, community colleges, and vocational programs to grow a skilled defense workforce. It aims to align training with mission needs and regional strengths.
- Regions and local economies: Offers grants and seed funding to designated hubs to drive economic and workforce development. The Secretary would aim to name at least 10 hubs within 3 years and keep federal support to no more than 50 percent of a hub's annual costs.
- Industry, universities, and DoD labs: Authorizes cooperative projects for R&D, prototyping, and tech transition across AI, quantum, edge computing, human‑machine teaming, hypersonics, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. Hubs must meet cybersecurity, export control, and foreign‑entity exclusion rules and follow Department guidelines on intellectual property.
*Authorizes up to $375.0 million for FY2026–2030, including $75.0 million available for grants, which would increase federal spending if funded.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Creates Defense Technology Hubs Program
This bill would create a Defense Technology Hubs Program to back regional hubs for military-related tech like AI, quantum, biotech, and hypersonics. The Program would fund partnerships among the Department of Defense, companies, and colleges and support workforce training. The Program would begin 180 days after enactment.
Hub selection and geographic goals
The bill would require the Secretary to solicit applications from regional consortia and pick hubs based on tech strength, regional partnerships, nearby defense installations, and workforce plans. The Secretary would aim to designate at least 10 hubs within three years after enactment. Applicants would provide information in the form and manner the Secretary requires.
Security and Export Controls for Hubs
Designated hubs would have to meet DoD cybersecurity standards and follow ITAR and EAR export rules. Hubs could not include foreign entities of concern or entities on the Commerce Department Entity List. Hubs would need systems to prevent unauthorized access, and to sponsor and hold security clearances. The Secretary and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency would monitor compliance. These rules would start 180 days after enactment.
Funding and Match Rules for Hubs
The bill would authorize $375 million for the program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with $75 million set aside for grants to hubs. Grant money would be for seed funding, R&D, prototyping, administration, and security systems. Federal support for any hub could not exceed 50 percent of that hub's costs in a fiscal year, so hubs would need non‑Federal matching funds.
Reporting and Independent Evaluation
Each hub would send an annual progress report to the Secretary on technology, partnerships, and outcomes. The Secretary would hire an independent evaluator annually for the first five years and then every two years. The Secretary would also send an annual report to the Armed Services Committees. These requirements would start 180 days after enactment.
Program Oversight, Waivers, and Intellectual Property Rules
The Under Secretary for Research and Engineering would run the Program through the Assistant Secretary for Critical Technologies and coordinate with the Defense Innovation Unit and other agencies to avoid duplication. The Secretary could waive acquisition rules for projects under $10,000,000 to speed prototyping. The Secretary would also write IP guidance that lets the Department keep defense rights while allowing commercial licensing when appropriate. These steps would take effect 180 days after enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
MO • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
NC • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Hudson
NC • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Messmer
IN • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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