Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro helped kick off the launch of the inaugural "Aviation & Robotics Summit" hosted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network and Innovation Works Inc. during an invitation-only event on Tuesday as part of a larger effort aimed at finding solutions for the global aviation industry that could be addressed with robots.
During a speech at the start of the event at The Vision on Fifteenth in the Strip District, Shapiro touted the region's ability to grow and foster promising startups over the years and how he plans to help support efforts that would continue such work as part of his duties as governor.
"I believe that the future success of our commonwealth depends on what happens in rooms like this. It depends on the hard work you put in and the growth that you're able to cultivate with the people who work with you and alongside you every day to make this a place of innovation," Shapiro said to a crowd of about 300 people. "I believe in you, and I believe in the future of this region. You have put Pittsburgh on the map as a leader in robotics and innovation."
Shapiro cited the formation of more than 100 innovation startups in the region over the past few years as a testament to Pittsburgh's ability to grow into a hub of tech talent. He said his administration will work to continue efforts that would support such growth and to help "sell Pennsylvania to the world."
"We need to build on the progress of the robotics ecosystem here," Shapiro said. "We need to build on the promise of companies that have invested here."
It will take belief in the upcoming business potential of tech startups as well as a supporting policy and procedure framework from legislators in Harrisburg to be an effective government partner in supporting efforts like these, Shapiro said. He then outlined a few of the actions he's taken to streamline bureaucracy at the state level since taking on the role of governor in January. Shapiro also highlighted the innovation-focused funding increases he proposed as part of his first state budget plan, namely as it related to manufacturing-focused innovation funding, workforce development and education.
"When I say we are going to plant a flag and compete when it comes to AI and robotics and space, I mean it," Shapiro said. "I want you to know that you all have a partner who wants to compete with you and help break down barriers that exist, get you answers more quickly, drive resources out to you and also help connect the dots with others across the country who want to come to Pittsburgh and compete here. Innovative companies that commit to move here, keep growing here: You deserve to know that the commonwealth has their back and will be an active partner for them."
John Thornton, CEO of North Side-based Astrobotic Technology Inc., followed Shapiro's address with a keynote speech of his own that highlighted how the Pittsburgh-based startup, formed in 2007, has gone on to employ about 210 locally due in part to state-funded support and the vibrancy of the city's robotics community. Astrobotic plans to send its Peregrine lander to the moon this summer as part of the first commercial mission that will take America back to the lunar surface for the first time since the end of the Apollo program.
A panel discussion featuring airport, airline and robotics execs followed on how these three entities might be able to work together to address some of the challenges facing the aviation industry. It will likely set the tone for the remainder of the summit, which will feature workshops and other meetings, including pitch-like competitions, throughout the rest of the week.
Prior to the Tuesday evening event and in a somewhat-related development, officials at the International Airlines Group (IAG) announced that the U.K.-based company is the latest organization to join Pittsburgh International Airport's xBridge initiative, an innovation-based program that looks to build and pilot various technologies for the aviation industry.
