The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program is a collaborative initiative developed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). This program aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in industrial innovation and manufacturing. It leverages the expertise of seven premier engineering research institutions—Carnegie Mellon University, Drexel University, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh—to foster industrial innovation and promote economic growth in the manufacturing sector.

The primary objective of the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program is to advance workforce development and innovation in the manufacturing sector. The program provides funding to support student-led research and development projects that are directly partnered with manufacturing companies within Pennsylvania. These projects are designed to drive technological advancements, enhance business competitiveness, and create sustainable, high-wage jobs across the state. The initiative aligns with Pennsylvania’s broader economic development strategy by facilitating collaborations between academia and industry to enhance manufacturing capabilities and processes.

The program funds projects that focus on advancing new product and process innovations. Eligible projects must demonstrate significant industry engagement and have the potential for long-term economic impact, including business growth and job creation. While the seven major research institutions are guaranteed at least one project each, a minimum of 20% of grant funds are reserved for other accredited Pennsylvania institutions of higher education. Selected projects receive funding awards ranging from $10,000 to $70,000.

Funding from this program is primarily allocated to support student research activities, associated travel expenses, and limited administrative costs. Direct faculty support is generally not covered unless explicitly approved in response to a specific research call. Additionally, the program requires a 1:1 matching fund contribution from non-commonwealth sources, such as industry partners, university contributions, or indirect cost recovery variances. This matching requirement ensures that projects have committed external support and maintain financial viability.

Applications for the program must be submitted through a web-based portal managed by Carnegie Mellon University, which serves as the fiscal agent. The submission process includes providing an operating plan outlining the project’s objectives, methodology, performance metrics, personnel, and alignment with state and federal programs. Annual reporting is mandatory, including documentation of project impacts such as jobs created, industry engagement, and commercialization outcomes.

Compliance with state and federal regulations is a fundamental requirement for all grantees. This includes adherence to nondiscrimination policies, conflict-of-interest disclosures, record-keeping obligations, and compliance with Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act for construction-related projects. Approved applicants receive grant contracts, and funding is disbursed according to an invoicing system managed by the DCED’s Office of Technology and Innovation.