The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking applications for Cohort 3 of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP). This economic development initiative invites industry-led consortia to form or expand innovation clusters to strengthen Washington's industry ecosystems. Through trust-based collaboration, the program aims to accelerate innovation, solve sector-wide challenges, and help participating industries remain competitive in evolving markets.

ICAP is informed by global best practices, modeled on innovation clusters that have successfully operated in regions such as Canada and Australia. These clusters play a critical role in advancing both traditional and emerging sectors by enabling collaboration between private companies, research institutions, and public entities. Washington's ICAP program continues this approach with a focus on creating long-term economic growth.

The third cohort of ICAP is funded through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which allocates cap-and-invest revenue toward climate-friendly economic development. The CCA is designed to reduce climate pollution while promoting job creation and improvements in public health. This link to climate-focused funding means applicants may be expected to demonstrate how their cluster development aligns with environmental sustainability and clean economic goals.

Eligible applicants include industry-led consortia. While detailed eligibility requirements are found in the official Request for Applications (RFA) document, the emphasis on "industry-led" implies that applications must come from organized partnerships primarily driven by private sector entities with a shared industry focus.

A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for March 13, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. PT and will be held online via Microsoft Teams. This session will allow potential applicants to receive guidance, ask questions, and clarify expectations. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT. Supporting materials such as the RFA document, the FAQ, and the online application are provided on the Washington State Department of Commerce website.

For additional information or questions, applicants can contact Josh Woodson at Josh.Woodson@Commerce.wa.gov. The program is not listed as recurring, and no information is provided about future cohorts or cycles beyond this application window. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the pre-proposal conference and review the full RFA for detailed criteria, application requirements, and funding expectations.