Manufacturing 4.0 Grants Offer Iowa Manufacturers Support for Technology Investments
Iowa manufacturers considering new equipment, automation, or other smart technology investments may be eligible for up to $75,000 through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program. The grant requires a 1:1 cash match and is intended to help manufacturers improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
The first step is to request an assessment from Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) by November 20, 2026. CIRAS helps manufacturers identify potential technology investments and assess their opportunities and risks. A completed CIRAS assessment must be submitted with the grant application.
Eligible investments may include equipment for process improvements, 3D printers, collaborative or autonomous robotics, cybersecurity and predictive maintenance software, sensors, and tools for data analysis or inventory tracking.
To qualify, a manufacturer must be incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa, have operated for at least three years, and derive at least 51% of its revenue from the sale of manufactured goods. It must have a manufacturing NAICS code between 31 and 33 and employ at least three but fewer than 125 full-time employees across all locations. A business that has received a previous Manufacturing 4.0 award may be eligible to apply again if it has not reached the $75,000 lifetime award limit.
Applications open January 4, 2027, and close January 29, 2027. Awards are made through a competitive review process, so applications are not evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses should also confirm they are in good standing with the Iowa Department of Revenue before applying.
Manufacturers across the Greater Dubuque area have previously used the program to support technology investments. According to IEDA, past recipients include:
- Advance Pump & Equipment Inc.
- Banvue Point International Inc.
- Design Build Structures LLC
- Dubuque Screw Products
- Eagle Tool Company
- FH Uelner Precision Tools and Dies
- Forged Authority Manufacturing Solutions LLC
- Ja-Mar Pattern
- JEDA Polymers, LLC
- LabStrong Corp
- Smith Cabinet Works
- Lund Manufacturing, Inc.
- Revolution Lightboards
- Unison Solutions, Inc.
- Universal Tank & Fabrication
- Vanguard Industries
- Wietz Sign Co. Inc.
- Dubuque Stamping & Manufacturing Inc.
- Inventory Trading Company
- East Iowa Machine Company
- Klauer Manufacturing
- Premier Tooling & Manufacturing, LLC
- Propulse – A Schieffer Company
Manufacturers can review program details and application requirements on IEDA’s website and request a CIRAS assessment.
For help understanding how the program might support your business, contact Daniel McDonald, Director of Existing Business at Greater Dubuque Development, at danielm@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049. We are committed to helping make the Greater Dubuque region a place where YOUR BUSINESS can be great here.