The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub announced it is competing with 19 other applicants for a Tech Hub grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The hub's application would establish a national testbed for next-generation aerospace prototypes in Spokane and a technical education job training center in Post Falls.

"For communities like Coeur d’Alene, this isn’t just an innovation investment, it’s a quality-of-life investment," said Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber, which has been involved in the application process. 

She said This initiative has the potential to be a true game-changer for the Coeur d’Alene and broader Inland Northwest region. 

"The ability to anchor high-tech manufacturing alongside advanced workforce education creates a powerful pathway to higher-paying, family-wage careers right here at home," Coppess said. 

The AAMMC Tech Hub members have focused on a clear objective: to bring the world's largest composites press and advanced composites equipment to the Inland Northwest to accelerate prototyping of advanced-material aerospace parts and to train a pipeline of engineers and suppliers so the next generation of aerospace parts remains in the INW for decades to come. 

The hub includes both local suppliers and global aerospace industry primes and regional manufacturers. The Aerospace Prototype Testbed plans are coordinated with major industry partners such as Boeing Commercial Airplanes and NASA, as well as Inland Northwest manufacturers and employers, including ATC Manufacturing, Altek, Unitech, and Empire Airlines.

The proposed Advanced Manufacturing and AI Training Center would expand North Idaho College's current campus and equipment, in partnership with the University of Idaho, Gonzaga University, Washington State University and Spokane Community College. 

By pairing cutting-edge aerospace innovation with hands-on training and education, the project has the potential to strengthen the regional economy, according to a press release. It diversifies the job base, elevates workforce skills and positions North Idaho as a competitive partner in a globally critical industry. 

Colby Mattila, NIC’s executive director of workforce and economic development, said the NIC Workforce Training is honored to be part of the Inland Northwest Aerospace Tech Hub initiative.

"By hosting the Advanced Materials and AI Training Center in Post Falls, NIC will help build a skilled workforce ready to support next-generation aerospace manufacturing and ensure long-term economic growth for North Idaho and the entire region," he said.

Mattila said the collaboration positions Eastern Washington and North Idaho as a national leader in aerospace innovation. 

"At NIC, we’re committed to creating hands-on training programs that integrate advanced materials and artificial intelligence, preparing students for high-demand careers and strengthening the engineering and supplier pipeline for decades to come," he said.

The project has gained the support of elected leaders.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and Washington's Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Michael Baumgartner and Sen. Patty Murray, expressed the urgency for protecting American manufacturing jobs: 

“This investment is essential for U.S. economic and national security. Aerospace currently provides the largest positive trade balance of any U.S. manufacturing industry and is the second-largest export by dollar value," the letter said. 

Patrick McHail, director of the AAMMC, said the application reflects years of committed work to build a first-of-its-kind advanced materials testbed and training center to bring industry, defense and NASA engineers together under one roof.

"So American aerospace jobs are protected for generations in the Inland Northwest, and the U.S. does not rely on foreign competitors for our commercial and defense aerospace," McHail said.

EDA expects to announce applicants that can advance to Stage II in late December or early January, with final awards anticipated in spring 2026.

Coppess said that by pairing cutting-edge aerospace innovation with hands-on training and education, the project has the potential to strengthen the regional economy. 

"It diversifies our job base, elevates workforce skills, and positions North Idaho as a competitive partner in a globally critical industry," she said. "This is how we grow sustainably — by investing in people, creating opportunity and ensuring our communities remain places where families can live, work and thrive for generations to come.”

    Mattila