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119-s-1978119th CongressWALLET

Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

Introduced

Summary

A network of regional Defense Technology Hubs would be created to speed military research, prototyping, and transition of emerging technologies. It links the Department of Defense with industry, universities, and state and local partners to grow regional innovation and workforce pipelines.

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  • Researchers, companies, and universities could form eligible consortia to be designated as hubs and receive seed grants for R&D, prototyping, and tech transition. Up to $75 million is identified for grant awards.
  • Regions and workers would gain new economic and training opportunities. The bill targets geographic diversity with a goal of at least 10 hubs within three years and emphasizes partnerships with anchor federal defense institutions, community colleges, and universities.
  • National security and program integrity would be enforced. Hubs must meet DoD cybersecurity standards, follow ITAR and EAR export rules, exclude foreign entities of concern, and face monitoring by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency plus independent evaluations.

*Would authorize $375 million in appropriations for 2026–2030, including $75 million for grants, increasing federal outlays if appropriated.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New Defense Technology Hubs Program

If enacted, the Department of Defense would create a Defense Technology Hubs Program. The Secretary would pick regional hub consortia of universities, businesses, nonprofits, and state or local governments. Hubs would focus on AI, quantum, hypersonics, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. The goal is to designate at least 10 hubs within three years. The program would start 180 days after enactment.

Grants and Matching Rules for Hubs

If enacted, the bill would authorize $375 million for the program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Up to $75 million of that would be available for grants. Grants could pay to start hubs and fund research, prototyping, technology transition, administration, and evaluation. Federal funding could not pay more than 50% of a hub's yearly costs. All funding would still depend on future appropriations.

Security, IP, and Procurement Rules

If enacted, the Secretary would run the program through the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering and coordinate with Defense Innovation Unit and DCSA. Hubs would have to meet DoD cybersecurity standards and follow ITAR and EAR export rules. The Secretary could bar foreign entities of concern from participating. The Secretary must set IP rules that keep needed defense rights while allowing some commercialization. For projects under $10,000,000, acquisition rules could be waived to speed prototyping. Hubs must send annual reports and face independent evaluations for the first five years, then every two years.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

MO • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 6/5/2025

  • Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 10/27/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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