US HB7323

H.R. 7323 - Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026

• Secretary of Defense must establish a "Defense Technology Hubs Program" to designate at least 10 regional hubs within 3 years, focused on accelerating research, prototyping, and transition of emerging defense technologies including AI, quantum, hypersonics, and biotechnology.

• Eligible consortia of universities, defense contractors, small businesses, nonprofits, and state/local governments may apply for hub designation based on criteria including defense technology capability, regional collaboration, and proximity to anchor federal defense institutions.

• $375 million authorized for fiscal years 2026-2030, with $75 million available for grants to hubs; federal funding capped at 50% of each hub's total operational costs.

• Hubs must implement DOD cybersecurity standards, comply with ITAR/EAR export controls, prevent participation by foreign entities of concern, and establish security clearance programs for classified research.

• Program administered by Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, with acquisition regulations waivable for projects under $10 million; annual reports required to Armed Services Committees and independent effectiveness evaluations mandated.