Pittsburgh Region. Next is Now.

In a POWERful partnership – at the nexus of renewable energy and manufacturing – Nextracker Inc. and JM Steel are growing in the Pittsburgh region. Working together, they are adding more solar energy to the grid while advancing America’s energy independence and security. FUN FACT: Expansions of businesses already established in the Pittsburgh region dominate regional business investment activity – and have for the last 17 years. This represents a vote of confidence from companies, worldwide, in the Pittsburgh region and all its assets to support their growth. https://lnkd.in/gnc8PXdZ

As Pittsburgh Inno reports, Skild AI –backed by Jeff Bezos and several notable venture capital firms – “is building a brain for robots.” It’s a truly disruptive undertaking with the potential to transform how humans and robots interact as a result of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and Skild AI’s leaders have chosen Pittsburgh over the Silicon Valley to advance what’s next in AI in Pittsburgh. They cite the city as a “robotics hub” and say that “Pittsburgh can also take a lead for the first time as the physical AI boom comes.”  https://lnkd.in/ekjPcqGT

The U.S. is the No. 1 country for robotics jobs in the world and Pittsburgh – cue the drum roll – is among the top four U.S. cities recognized by Analytics Insight® for jobs in an industry that is shaping the world’s future. https://lnkd.in/gWYJMaHS

It’s great to have Pittsburgh on this new list of the Top 20 Best Cities for Young Professionals in 2024 from Neighbor and we couldn’t have characterized the city better ourselves. “Pittsburgh is a city in its renaissance …embracing a future filled with technology and innovation. Between its low cost of living and burgeoning tech scene, you’ll want to put Pittsburgh on your radar.  https://lnkd.in/dU5P8A_y

The $500 million PA SITES program passed in the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania budget provides a major new tool to spur development investment throughout the Pittsburgh region and the state. It will position Pennsylvania to be more competitive than ever when it comes to pad-ready sites that enable projects – including those needing large parcels – to get up out of the ground and do so quickly thanks to significant reforms to permitting legislation. "It’s really an historic investment … allowing the state to work in a very fast and flexible manner,” said Allegheny Conference Chief Growth Officer Matt Smith, who oversees economic development efforts on behalf of the 10-county Pittsburgh region. https://lnkd.in/e2N6TF5P

The Pittsburgh region’s booming tech sector, which includes AI and robotics, is attracting interest from investors like Innovation Works. 👏 IW reported that in 2023 its investment of $7.38 million led to the creation of 1,000+ new jobs and the direct retention of nearly two thousand jobs. With such capital resources and a vibrant and accessible ecosystem to support them, tech- and innovation-driven businesses are not only launching but scaling and growing in Pittsburgh. Innovation Works CEO Ven Raju talks about current investments and what to anticipate next from the region. 👇 https://lnkd.in/efkfC_Wv

Companies, in big numbers, are casting their votes for the Pittsburgh region with expansion projects, which have dominated business investment activity in the region for the past 17 years according to a new report. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/dTd4N_Ee   Such sustained activity is having a powerful impact on the region’s economy, and we’re open for more! The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance’s new In-Market Business Retention and Expansion Support + Services initiative can help other existing businesses in the region grow and add to the impact. Get in touch to learn more via the “contact us” form on the PRA website.  

Congrats to Pittsburgh-based robotics company Skild AI on a major investment that positions it to make a mark on the world of robotics and AI by revolutionizing how robotics will be scaled and potentially “changing the entire physical economy.” The funding round – bringing the company’s total evaluation to approximately $1.5 billion – was led by Lightspeed, Coatue, SoftBank Group Corp. and Jeff Bezos, through Jeff Bezos Expeditions.   Skild AI is lauded for achieving massive breakthroughs in a short period and called “a one-of-a-kind company that could redefine our notions of what machines are capable of.” Its long-term goal is to develop an artificial general intelligence that matches or surpasses human capabilities. Learn more about what’s next for this Pittsburgh company.  👇 https://lnkd.in/gcskf6KG

Focusing on the future and solving big problems are in the Pittsburgh region’s DNA. It’s exciting to see catalytic investment that will not only drive the repurposing of key industrial space – which opens the door to future economic development opportunities – but also intentionally advances equity and inclusion in the historic community of Braddock. It’s a win-win, and we’re excited to see what’s next! RDC Design + Build, Arctaris Impact Investors, Allegheny County Economic Development, Richard King Mellon Foundation #BraddockPA https://lnkd.in/eivFF5BK

Congratulations to VERSATEX Building Products, part of the business landscape in Aliquippa (Beaver County) for nearly 20 years, on its plans to grow locally – doubling its manufacturing footprint and creating 80 new jobs. With the support of Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Commonwealth of PA, the company plans to invest $40M to further build out an established, successful regional business and help to rebuild and revitalize our communities. Thanks to Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development for all you do to help get impactful projects like this over the finish line! Read more. https://lnkd.in/gRq9_gnF