The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes the regional innovation program established under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. This legislation aims to bolster regional economic development by expanding the program's objectives to include increasing access to capital for innovation-based business ventures. It also refines the definition of a "venture development organization" to encompass state or nonprofit entities that provide direct financing, commercialization acceleration services, and tailored entrepreneurial support. The Act authorizes $50,000,000 to be appropriated annually for the program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, in addition to allowing the use of previously unobligated funds. It significantly modifies the federal cost-share structure, permitting up to 50 percent federal funding plus an additional 40 percent based on the relative needs of the area, thereby potentially increasing federal support for projects. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary to conduct outreach to encourage participation from rural communities , areas negatively impacted by trade, and regions experiencing persistent economic distress, or entities collaborating with local workforce investment boards. Other provisions include expanding interagency collaboration to involve the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, fostering a more integrated approach to technology innovation. These changes are designed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and promote economic prosperity across diverse communities.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-8866| House
| Updated: 5/15/2026
The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes the regional innovation program established under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. This legislation aims to bolster regional economic development by expanding the program's objectives to include increasing access to capital for innovation-based business ventures. It also refines the definition of a "venture development organization" to encompass state or nonprofit entities that provide direct financing, commercialization acceleration services, and tailored entrepreneurial support. The Act authorizes $50,000,000 to be appropriated annually for the program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, in addition to allowing the use of previously unobligated funds. It significantly modifies the federal cost-share structure, permitting up to 50 percent federal funding plus an additional 40 percent based on the relative needs of the area, thereby potentially increasing federal support for projects. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary to conduct outreach to encourage participation from rural communities , areas negatively impacted by trade, and regions experiencing persistent economic distress, or entities collaborating with local workforce investment boards. Other provisions include expanding interagency collaboration to involve the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, fostering a more integrated approach to technology innovation. These changes are designed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and promote economic prosperity across diverse communities.