CONNSTEP Awarded $350,000 Federal Grant to Support Connecticut Manufacturers in Energy and Technology Sectors

By Amanda Beaulieu

WINDSOR, Conn. — CONNSTEP today announced it has been awarded a $350,000 federal grant to support a new initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers operating in critical energy and advanced technology sectors.

The funding, secured through recent federal legislation and administered through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, will support the Development of a Statewide Cross Technology Energy Advisory and Service Initiative, focused on advancing U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in emerging technologies vital to the United States economy and national security.

The announcement was made during a news conference hosted by Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. in Windsor. CONNSTEP President and CEO Beatriz N. Gutierrez was joined by Congressman John Larson and Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. President and CEO William Smith.

For more than 25 years, CONNSTEP has worked with small and medium-sized manufacturers across Connecticut, helping them grow their operations, adopt new technologies, and position themselves for long-term success. 

“This funding will strengthen the manufacturers that power our state’s advanced manufacturing and energy supply chains, support their continued growth and competitiveness, and ensure that they remain leaders in the industries that are shaping our nation’s future,” said Gutierrez.

These manufacturers are key players in the aerospace and defense sectors and an integral part of the nation’s defense industrial base. They deliver critical capabilities that help safeguard our national security on land, in space, and at sea.

Through this initiative, CONNSTEP will work closely with federal partners and industry leaders like Infinity to connect manufacturers with the resources, guidance, and expertise they need to continue leading in these important sectors through advanced manufacturing.

”Advancing U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness could not be more relevant today,” said Smith. “It has been said that Connecticut is the Silicon Valley of fuel cells and hydrogen electrolysis technology, and the reason for this is that the genesis of these technologies was right here in this state.”

“We were pleased to get this grant,” said Larson. “It comes because of the mission, and it comes because of CONNSTEP’s initiative.”

“CONNSTEP does such an outstanding job of integrating these industries with the workforce that they need so that we can continue to see modern technology grow and flourish, which, of course, is good for the economy, good for jobs, and good for people all across the 1^st District and the state of Connecticut and the entire country,” said Larson.

“Congressman Larson has long been a champion for Connecticut’s manufacturing community, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership in securing this important investment,” said Gutierrez.

“When we invest in manufacturers, we are investing in innovation, good-paying jobs, and the long-term strength of our nation’s economy and national security.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Amanda Beaulieu 860.364.8600