WTIA was awarded a $550,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to begin the development of an Innovation Cluster Accelerator to power innovation in blockchain and quantum computing and drive private investment, job creation, and world-leading innovation throughout the state. The grant helps further the mission of the WTIA to foster a robust, equity-centered technology sector that empowers thriving communities.

Washington state has been a driver of technology innovation for decades, with many transformative technologies built within the state leading to significant economic growth regionally and internationally. Several Advanced Technologies will soon be the catalyst for similar economic growth and global competitiveness, making now a critical time for focus on these specific sectors. WTIA plans to invite member organizations to help create an Innovation Cluster Accelerator that will build connectivity and collaboration across blockchain technologies and quantum computing.

The state Department of Commerce has selected us as their lead partner to expand Washington’s position as a global innovation hub, said Michael Schutzler, CEO, WTIA. Our state has an opportunity to lead the country in blockchain and quantum computing, which will spur economic growth, generate new jobs, and help secure the state’s long-term competitiveness.

Leveraging the power of an economic growth “cluster” — which brings together corporations, academia, startups, government, and investors — WTIA will convene diverse sets of stakeholder groups to power the growth of the technology sector across the state. Grant funding combined with existing WTIA programs will enable the Innovation Cluster Accelerator to focus on five key areas: 

     (1) mapping the Advanced Technology ecosystem;

     (2) attracting and accelerating startups; 

     (3) building a diverse workforce including women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups;

     (4) advancing a supportive policy environment; and 

     (5) creating strong partnerships.

To achieve these goals, the Innovation Cluster Accelerator will also invite academia to collaborate on workforce development, build relationships with and provide education to policymakers to create a supportive regulatory environment, grow startup accelerators to support Advanced Technology startups, produce landscape reports to inform long-term Cluster strategy and provide forums to convene and connect relevant stakeholders. 

As WTIA builds a global center for these new technologies, it will be especially important for us to be intentional about the way the Innovation Cluster Accelerator includes people from underrepresented groups, Michael added. Building more equitable access to these opportunities is a key part of our DNA at WTIA and something that will be reflected and prioritized in the Cluster.

WTIA recorded an impressive year of grant awards in 2021, including WA State Commerce Equitable Innovation Accelerator in partnership with Find Ventures, EDA Sprint Challenge Congregate Accelerator with PNWER, and the EDA Build to Scale grant expanding startup programs across the state.

To learn more about the Innovation Cluster Accelerator, or to get involved, contact Nick Ellingson, Startup Ambassador and Director of Products, at nellingson@washingtontechnology.org.