Whitman County- The Port of Whitman County received a $13.8 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Supplemental Grant for construction of its Technology Transfer and Commercialization Facility (Tech Transfer Facility) in Pullman, WA. The award brings the total number of dollars allocated to the project to $19.2 million, with additional contributions from the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce), Whitman County, and Port matching funds. 

“The Port Commission thanks the EDA, Commerce, and Whitman County for their funding commitments,” Port Commission President Karl Webber said. “With this project, the Port is not just constructing a physical building but also creating a strong innovation ecosystem. This holistic system encourages technology created on the Palouse to stay on the Palouse.”

Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), expressed their support for the project and its projected economic benefits for Whitman County and Washington state. 

“I know firsthand how talented our entrepreneurs are here in Washington state—that is why I’m thrilled that the Port of Whitman County has received funding to build a Technology Transfer and Commercialization Scaling Facility,” said Senator Murray. “This project will create jobs, scale new technologies developed at Washington State University, and ensure that the Port can support the next generation of innovators for years to come. I’m proud to support this effort and looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will have in Whitman County and beyond.”

“This investment will help build new lab and commercialization space in Pullman so Washington researchers and entrepreneurs can scale breakthroughs in bioengineering, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing into real products and companies,” said Senator Cantwell. “It will turn Washington innovation into local economic power—new companies, high-value jobs, and private capital rooted in Whitman County.”

"Congratulations to the Port for securing this grant,” Congressman Baumgartner said. “With a projected construction date of June 2027, I trust this Technology Transfer and Commercialization Facility will foster innovation and create jobs in the Palouse.”

The Port initiated development of the Tech Transfer Facility after regional researchers and entrepreneurs underscored the lack of scaling infrastructure and technical facilities in Whitman County. Students and faculty at Washington State University and the University of Idaho regularly develop new technologies from university research. Once these technologies progress beyond the pilot stage, they require specialized infrastructure to reach commercial readiness; infrastructure that is currently unavailable in the region. As a result, emerging companies often relocate, taking their economic impact with them. The Tech Transfer Facility aims to keep companies in Whitman County by providing the technical facility needed to scale their technologies locally.

To shape the facility’s design and engineering, the Port hosted roundtable discussions with researchers and startups from Washington State University and the University of Idaho. The approximately 37,000 sq. ft. building will feature flexible technical infrastructure for scaling and commercialization, thoughtfully designed for tenant-specific improvements. The facility will include six H2 classification pilot-scale technology labs equipped with high-capacity power (480V three-phase with flexible distribution support equipment), clean-room build-outs, deionized/soft water stub-ins, cooling loops, exterior hazardous materials storage, and security features to protect proprietary work. Each lab will include dedicated office space, allowing tenants to advance their technologies and grow their businesses in one location. 

"Everyone loves the idea of garage startups, but most WSU students don't even have a garage,” said Dr. Jacob Leachman, Director of the Washington State University Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Center. “The Technology Transfer Facility will be an essential stepping stone for our entrepreneurial students to reach critical mass."

The facility is slated for construction at the Pullman Industrial Park on the northwest edge of Pullman. Located just two minutes from the Washington State University campus and 12 minutes from the University of Idaho, the site provides convenient access to both research hubs. The Port anticipates construction to begin in 2027 with the building operational in 2028.

The Port received more than fifty letters of support for its funding applications from local organizations including the City of Pullman, the HYPER Center, the University of Idaho Office of Research and Economic Development, Plug Power, and Meter Group. Additional support came from local, regional, and national partners including state and federal legislators. Researchers, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders contributed their time and expertise to advance the project. 

“The Port could not construct this facility without our community partners,” Port Executive Director Kara Riebold said. “We are grateful for the time and expertise our partners have invested. We look forward to continuing to work together as we build a strong environment for technological innovation in Whitman County.”

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About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

About the Pullman Industrial Park

The Port of Whitman County created the Pullman Industrial Park in the 1980s. Located on Terre View Drive on the north end of Pullman, the park is adjacent to Washington State University and within a 20-minute drive of the University of Idaho. The 100-acre property is home to a diverse community of businesses in a variety of industries including technology and life sciences. 

About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects, visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.