Multi-state team gets DoD grant for Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced today that a public–private team from his state, in partnership with Northeast Ohio and West Virginia, was awarded a $30 million federal grant from the Department of Defense to develop an Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (AMII). The institute will develop a roadmap to increase domestic competitiveness through increasing the successful transition of additive manufacturing technology, advancing innovation and creating a workforce capable of meeting industry needs.

The awarded proposal was submitted by “Tech Belt” a partnership which includes a team from Pennsylvania, Northeast Ohio and West Virginia. Pennsylvania will provide state matching funds in order to add more value to the grant award.

AMII represents the largest statewide partnership in a single national initiative to date – combining industry, research and workforce development resources. The institute will partner with colleges, universities and community colleges to deliver new training and curricula to the workforce. Overall, the project will directly engage nearly 9,000 students, teachers and workers through course development and online outreach with companies and innovators.

The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining in Latrobe, Westmoreland County will serve as the lead for this advanced manufacturing initiative. The state will then work with local companies to do the manufacturing and job training needed to fulfill the grant requirements.

Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, Penn State University, Philadelphia University, Robert Morris University, and the University of Pittsburgh along with many of the state’s community colleges are also involved in the effort.

“For too long, Pennsylvanians who earned a college degree have had to leave the state to find employment,” Corbett said. “This initiative will help to develop a relationship between schools and businesses to create jobs for graduates, right here at home.”