The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on Friday 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, according to a press release.
“Manufacturing PA allows for collaboration between incredible minds and incredible manufacturing companies,” DCED Secretary Dennis Davin said. “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 relese said. 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, according to the release.
The complete list of 43 projects including funding amounts and manufacturing partners can be found here.
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, according to the release.
Additional details about many of the projects approved through the program can be found on the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program website.
