NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Penn State is strengthening western Pennsylvania’s innovation, manufacturing and workforce ecosystem — which includes collaborative research, education, training and production efforts — by aligning the Penn State Digital Foundry and the New Kensington LaunchBox powered by Penn State more directly within its central research and innovation enterprise. Both innovation spaces will now be housed within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) to increase connectivity across Penn State and the commonwealth, with the goal of enabling long-term support and expanded access to University resources for the region.
As members of the Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network, the Digital Foundry and the New Kensington LaunchBox will continue to be managed separately while still driving complementary and collaborative work.
Through targeted programming and hands-on support, the Digital Foundry works with established manufacturers and the regional workforce to advance technical capabilities, adopt new technologies, accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies — such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence and smart digital systems — and equip workers with in-demand skills for modern manufacturing. The New Kensington LaunchBox supports entrepreneurs through programming, mentorship, workspace and connections to help early-stage ventures grow. Both are rooted in the New Kensington community and focused on delivering practical, local impact for large to small-scale manufacturing companies, entrepreneurs and the regional workforce across western Pennsylvania
“Bringing the Digital Foundry and New Kensington LaunchBox under OSVPR will enable Penn State to continue providing western Pennsylvania entrepreneurs, manufacturers and technology companies with direct access to resources, programs, equipment and workforce training that support business growth and competitiveness,” said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research, Penn State. “This alignment also strengthens research capacity, collaboration, administrative support and access to potential funding opportunities, keeping us focused on delivering measurable results for the region.”
The Digital Foundry supports advanced technical assistance, applied engineering expertise and workforce training that spans K-12 students, University learners, new entrants to manufacturing and incumbent workers. In close partnership with the New Kensington LaunchBox, these efforts extend to product- and technology-based entrepreneurs through startup programming, mentorship and technical validation. The two organizations help innovators and established companies advance ideas, assess and mitigate technology development risks, and move from concept to market-ready solutions.
“Together with the New Kensington LaunchBox, the Digital Foundry helps to breathe life into the region, creating growth opportunities for businesses and preparing Pennsylvania’s workforce for the future,” said Sherri McCleary, executive director of the Digital Foundry. “In particular, the foundry helps companies de-risk digital transformation by offering technical assistance on real-world manufacturing challenges, while in parallel providing workforce training to support advanced manufacturing in our region. It also fosters entrepreneurship providing innovators and startups with engineering and product development expertise to enable prototyping of new products.”
This integrated approach — serving businesses, developing talent and advancing innovation to strengthen regional economies and improve lives — reflects Penn State’s land-grant mission and aligns with the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s strategic plan. The foundation has invested more than $12 million in the Digital Foundry, along with additional investments in New Kensington and surrounding communities.
“The Digital Foundry and New Kensington LaunchBox are important assets for the economies of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties — the continued improvement of which has been a critical focus of the Foundation since its founding,” said Sam Reiman, director, Richard King Mellon Foundation. “By uniting workforce preparation, applied research development and entrepreneurial support, this alignment positions the Digital Foundry and the New Kensington LaunchBox to continue driving measurable impact for individuals, companies and communities across western Pennsylvania and beyond.”
About the Digital Foundry at New Kensington
Penn State's Digital Foundry at New Kensington, located at 855 Fifth Ave. in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, is a 15,044-square-foot innovation and advanced manufacturing lab space designed to build future-ready skills and awareness across the manufacturing industry, K–16 education sector, workforce and broader community in southwestern Pennsylvania. As one of seven Smart Manufacturing Innovation Centers in the nation, the lab supports applied learning, technical training and real-world problem solving through digital technologies and industry-informed programming. Digital Foundry is one of 24 innovation spaces within the Invent Penn State LaunchBox and Innovation Network, a signature program of Invent Penn State that supports entrepreneurs and economic development across Pennsylvania.
The space reflects a collaborative regional investment, including support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland.
Learn more at DigitalFoundryNK.com.