Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced
Summary
Expands regional innovation supports and access to capital by reauthorizing the Regional Innovation Program and adding new rules that target funding, cost shares, outreach, and data coordination to speed commercialization and investment. This bill would also redefine who counts as a venture development organization so Federal help focuses on direct financing and commercialization services.
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- Startups and founders: Would get clearer access to direct financing and commercialization support through qualified venture development organizations, and programs would explicitly back capital access initiatives.
- Venture development organizations: A VDO must be a State or nonprofit with a geographic economic mission and provide direct financing, commercialization services, and tailored entrepreneurial support.
- Distressed and rural areas and workers: The bill would require outreach to rural communities, areas harmed by trade, and persistently distressed places and promote collaboration with workforce boards to connect training to regional initiatives.
- Federal coordination and funding rules: DOE and NSF are added as named collaborators, program actions would be mandatory when funded, and the Secretary must issue a notice of funding opportunity within 90 days of enactment.
*If enacted, the bill would authorize $50.0 million per year for FY2026 through FY2030 and allow use of unobligated prior-year funds, increasing potential federal outlays if fully funded.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher federal match for projects
If enacted, the federal share for any funded activity would be up to 50 percent plus up to 40 percent more based on area need. That means projects in higher-need areas could get up to 90 percent federal funding. This would lower the nonfederal match required from states, local groups, or private partners.
More regional innovation funding and launch
If enacted, the Commerce Department would get $50 million each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the regional innovation program. The Secretary would be allowed to use prior-year unobligated funds to run the program. If funds are appropriated, the Secretary would have to issue a notice of funding opportunity within 90 days after enactment. The Secretary would also be required to reach out to rural, trade-affected, and persistently distressed areas and to local workforce partners.
New rules on venture development groups
If enacted, the bill would redefine who counts as a venture development organization to be a State or nonprofit group with a geographic economic development mission. VDOs would have to provide direct financing, commercialization services, or tailored entrepreneurial support in their service area. The program would add a specific goal to increase access to capital and name the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation as possible partners. The bill would also strike a specific existing paragraph from the statute, changing program language and creating some legal uncertainty about that deleted item.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov