Wolf Administration: Manufacturing PA Innovation Program Awards More Than $2.8 Million to Advance Manufacturing Technology

Today, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced the approval of more than $2.8 million in grants through the Manufacturing PA initiative. The 43 projects receiving funding will spur new technologies and processes in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing PA allows for collaboration between incredible minds and incredible manufacturing companies,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. “These partnerships engage Pennsylvania’s educational facilities and the business sector across the commonwealth to position our state for continued manufacturing innovation and success.”

The approved projects are part of Manufacturing PA’s fellowship program. The program unites the commonwealth’s best and brightest graduate and undergraduate students with local manufacturers. Once paired, the students embark on research projects to develop new technologies and advance innovation statewide. Universities that have partnered with a manufacturer can apply for and receive between $25,000 and $70,000 in funding for specific student research projects.

View the complete list of 43 projects including funding amounts and manufacturing partners.

The approved projects help advance innovation in several sectors of manufacturing, from advanced medical, to energy, to consumer goods. Drexel University, The Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg, University of Pittsburgh, Lehigh University, Temple University, The Pennsylvania State University, Widener University, The Pennsylvania State University – The Behrend College, Erie, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Robert Morris University, Thomas Jefferson University, Gannon University, Carnegie Mellon University, and The Pennsylvania State University – Dubois partnered with local manufacturing companies to pair student fellows with the 43 projects. Additional details about many of the projects approved through the program can be found on the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program website.

The fellowship was developed through collaboration with Pennsylvania’s seven research institutions, manufacturers, and industrial resource centers (IRCs) across the commonwealth and is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Governor Wolf’s Manufacturing PA initiative ensures that training leads not simply to any job, but to careers that provide higher pay and opportunities for advancement. Working with DCED’s strategic partners, including IRCs, Pennsylvania’s colleges, universities, technical schools, and non-profit organizations, this initiative fosters collaboration and partnerships to accelerate technology advancement, encourage innovation and commercialization, and build a 21st century workforce.

For more information about the Wolf Administration’s commitment to manufacturing, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media contact:
Casey Smith, DCED, casesmith@pa.gov