A brighter future
with opportunity for all
![We're transforming our region through a robust robotics and autonomy cluster](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/header-1.png)
![People crowded over a circuit board](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img2.png)
![img_badge@2x Build Back Better winner ribbon](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/img_badge@2x-q9k9fpbl52yt28wadawl6lgj0d3co8zeqgqy3ijplc.png)
We’re transforming our region through a robust robotics and autonomy cluster.
![Woman looking at robotic arm](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img1.png)
![Build Back Better winner ribbon](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img_badge@2x.png)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative a $62.7 million grant through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to bolster our robotics and autonomy sector throughout an 11-county region.
![Map of the Pittsburgh region](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img_map.png)
![Advanced Technology Center building](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/atc-1024x492.png)
Together, we can bring renewed vitality to the Pittsburgh region and provide opportunities for our people, our businesses and our communities.
![Build Back Better grant stats](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bbb-grant.png)
![Map of the Pittsburgh region](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img_map.png)
![Long term economic impact stats](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/long-term-economic-impact.png)
What is the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative?
![President Biden and members of the Allegheny Conference](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/img4.png)
The Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative is an 11-county coalition formed to apply for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The Collaborative includes 90+ organizations: community-based organizations, labor unions, educational and research institutions, economic development partners and leaders from the private, public and philanthropic sectors.
TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS
The Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant will fund five projects focused on adoption, upskilling infrastructure and commercialization in the robotics sector. As these projects grow the region’s impact and leadership in the robotics and autonomy sector, we will collaborate through continued public-private partnership to see each project from beginning to completion.
![Icon with robotic arm](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/icon1.png)
Adoption
Robotics & AI Expansion for
Small & Medium Enterprises
Robotics & AI
Manufacturing Hub
![Icon with construction worker](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/icon2.png)
Upskilling
Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers
![Icon with female head and code symbol](https://swpanec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/icon3.png)
Commercialization
Robotics & AI
Startup Factory
Expanded Pathways
to Entrepreneurship