HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Tom Wolf on Friday announced the approval of $1.7 million in grants through the Manufacturing PA initiative.

The 26 projects receiving the funding will spur new technologies and processes in the manufacturing sector.

“There is a direct correlation between manufacturing innovation and economic growth,” Governor Wolf said. “My administration continues working to foster a robust innovation culture and strong partnerships between academia and the business sector across the state. Working together, we are positioning Pennsylvania as a manufacturing leader in the nation.”

The approved projects are part of Manufacturing PA’s fellowship program. The program embeds 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.

The complete list of 26 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. Bucknell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Drexel University, Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania State University-Behrend College, University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, Temple University, and Villanova University partnered with local manufacturing companies to pair student fellows with the 26 projects.

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. Additional details about many of the projects approved through the program can be found on the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program website.

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.