Pennsylvania awards $2.8M to boost student-led manufacturing projects
Editorial StaffFresh Funding Fuels 42 Student Projects for Manufacturing Innovation in Pennsylvania
The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program grants will enhance student-led research to boost key industry advancements throughout the state.
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has announced the allocation of over $2.8 million in grants to support 42 student research projects across Pennsylvania. These grants, part of the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, aim to foster advancements in sectors such as AI-driven semiconductor manufacturing, biomaterials from farming waste, and 3-D printed medical devices for animals.
Embedded within the Manufacturing PA fellowship initiative, these projects place Pennsylvania’s talented students from universities in collaboration with local manufacturers to drive technological innovation. Universities may receive up to $70,000 for each student project under this program.
“The Shapiro Administration is laser-focused on advancing Pennsylvania’s innovation economy, and investing in cutting-edge research projects like these is essential to accomplishing that,” remarked DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Pennsylvania is home to some of the finest research institutions in the country, and I know the work of the students and projects funded here today will help us continue to be a national leader in manufacturing and innovation.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Manufacturing PA fellowship program has distributed more than $17.9 million across 738 students and facilitated 276 projects, benefiting 202 Pennsylvania companies in the process. Administration of the program is managed by DCED in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University.
The 42 newly funded projects involve partnerships between local manufacturing companies and the following Pennsylvania universities:
- Bucknell University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Drexel University
- Gannon University
- Lehigh University
- Lycoming College
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Pennsylvania State University – Berks
- Pennsylvania State University – DuBois with Pennsylvania State University – Hazleton
- Pennsylvania State University
- Robert Morris University
- Temple University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Villanova University
- Widener University
- York College of Pennsylvania with Villanova University
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal includes over $160 million in investments to boost Pennsylvania’s competitiveness and economic development through its 10-year Economic Development Strategy. This proposal emphasizes innovation with plans to allocate:
- $50 million for the PA Innovation program, including a $30 million one-time initiative for life sciences job growth and $20 million for large-scale innovation support
- $10 million for AdvancePA tax credits to facilitate high-quality job creation
- $12.5 million for WEDnetPA to address workforce expansion and gaps
- $2 million for Career Connect, establishing internships at Pennsylvania companies
Further details about Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal can be explored. For additional insights, view the Governor’s Budget in Brief online or visit the Governor’s Budget website.
Visit the DCED website for more on the Manufacturing PA Initiative, and follow DCED on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
